Conquer Your Social Anxiety: A CBT Group with Exposure Therapy

Do you avoid social situations due to fear of judgment or embarrassment? Does social anxiety interfere with your work, relationships, or daily life? If so, this Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group may be right for you.

This group offers a supportive and structured environment to learn practical skills to manage and overcome social anxiety. We will use evidence-based CBT techniques, focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through psychoeducation, group discussion, and in-session practice, you will gain a deeper understanding of social anxiety and learn how to challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety.

A core component of this group is exposure therapy. We will work together, gradually and safely, to confront feared social situations. These exposures will start small and build over time, allowing you to experience firsthand that your feared outcomes are less likely than you anticipate. The group setting provides a unique opportunity to support and encourage one another during this process, normalizing the experience and reducing feelings of isolation.

In addition to CBT and exposure therapy, we will explore mindfulness techniques to increase awareness of your present moment experience, including physical sensations and emotional responses related to anxiety. Mindfulness can help you observe your anxiety without judgment, creating space between your anxious thoughts and your reactions. This can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety both during exposure exercises and in everyday life.

Finally, we will dedicate time to relapse prevention strategies. We will discuss potential triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and create personalized plans to maintain your progress and prevent future setbacks. This empowers you to continue using the skills learned in the group long after it has ended.

In this group, you will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of social anxiety: Learn about the causes, symptoms, and maintaining factors of social anxiety.
• Identify and challenge negative thoughts: Learn to recognize and modify the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety.
• Engage in gradual exposure therapy: Work through feared social situations in a safe and supportive environment.
• Develop mindfulness skills: Learn to observe your anxiety without judgment and increase your present moment awareness.
• Create a relapse prevention plan: Develop strategies to maintain your progress and prevent future setbacks.
• Receive support and encouragement: Connect with others who understand your experience and learn from each other.

This group is designed to empower you to take control of your social anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to face your fears and develop the skills to thrive in social situations, we encourage you to join us.