Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Find Social Safety

Do you experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations? Perhaps you find yourself avoiding social events, struggling with everyday interactions, or feeling overwhelmed by the thought of being judged by others. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, goes beyond shyness, but with support, you can learn to navigate social situations with confidence.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder is more than just occasional nervousness in social situations. It's a recognised mental health condition characterised by intense fear of social situations and persistent worry about being judged, scrutinised, or embarrassed by others.

Signs and Symptoms

Physical Symptoms:

• Racing heart in social situations

• Excessive sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• Difficulty breathing

• Nausea or stomach issues

• Muscle tension

• Blushing

• Voice changes

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Emotional and Behavioural Signs:

• Intense fear of judgment

• Avoidance of social situations

• Excessive self-consciousness

• Difficulty with eye contact

• Overthinking social interactions

• Fear of embarrassment

• Anticipatory anxiety

• Social isolation

• Self-critical thoughts

Impact on Daily Life

Social anxiety disorder can affect every aspect of life:

Personal Impact:

• Difficulty forming relationships

• Limited social connections

• Isolation and loneliness

• Reduced quality of life

• Missing life experiences

• Family relationship strain

• Difficulty with daily tasks

• Emotional exhaustion

Professional Impact:

• Career advancement challenges

• Work relationship difficulties

• Missed opportunities

• Limited networking

• Performance anxiety

• Workplace avoidance

• Communication challenges

• Leadership barriers

Understanding the Root Causes

Social anxiety disorder often develops from:

Biological Factors:

• Genetic predisposition

• Brain chemistry

• Family history

• Temperament

• Nervous system sensitivity

Environmental Influences:

• Past negative experiences

• Family dynamics

• Cultural factors

• Traumatic events

• Learning experiences

• Social pressures

Take the First Step

Don't let social anxiety disorder and social phobia hold you back from living the life you want. I offer a supportive, understanding environment where we can work together to build your social confidence. I understand it can be hard to seek support — we’ll take it at your pace and you’ll never be made to do anything you’re not comfortable with!

I’m a specialist social anxiety psychotherapist, accredited by the BABCP. But before that, I was a child who suffered with extreme eczema, too afraid to be seen by others. I get what it feels like when negative perception by others can be your worst fear.

I’ve devoted my career to learning everything there is to know about social anxiety. With 6 years experience in mental health, including senior roles supervising and training other therapists in the NHS, I bring both expertise and deep understanding to my work.

I believe mental healthcare should be specialised, just like physical healthcare. You wouldn't see a general practitioner for a specific heart condition – why should mental health be different? That's why I focus exclusively on social anxiety disorder and specific challenges like interpersonal anxiety, performance anxiety & self esteem.