Overcoming Social Anxiety
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Finding Your Confidence
Social situations can be exciting and connecting for some people, yet for others they bring a wave of fear, self-consciousness, and physical discomfort. If you live with social anxiety, you may feel nervous meeting new people, speaking up in a group, or being the center of attention. Even simple interactions like answering the phone or making small talk can feel overwhelming.
It is not just shyness. Social anxiety can affect your relationships, work, and overall quality of life. You might replay conversations in your head, worrying you said the wrong thing. You may avoid situations entirely, even ones you truly wish you could enjoy. Over time, the fear of judgment or embarrassment can shrink your world until it feels like there is less and less room to breathe.
You are not alone in this, and you do not have to stay stuck in this cycle.
Why Therapy Can Help with Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is often rooted in how your mind and body have learned to respond to perceived social threats. Even if your logical mind knows you are safe, your nervous system might still react as if you are in danger. This can lead to racing thoughts, a pounding heart, sweating, or a frozen feeling that is hard to shake.
Therapy offers a safe place to understand these responses and gently work through them. Together we can explore the beliefs, past experiences, and body patterns that keep the anxiety going. The goal is not to “get rid of” all nervousness, but to help you feel grounded and capable even when anxiety appears.
How Somatic Psychotherapy Supports Social Anxiety
Because social anxiety often shows up as both thoughts and physical sensations, working with the body is a powerful way to shift your experience. Somatic psychotherapy helps you notice early signs of anxiety in your body, such as muscle tension or shallow breathing, and use tools that help you return to a calmer state in the moment.
In our work, we might:
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Practice grounding techniques you can use before and during social situations
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Explore posture and breath patterns that promote confidence and ease
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Identify and release physical tension that builds when you feel observed or judged
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Use role-play in a safe environment to practice conversations or presentations
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Strengthen your ability to remain present rather than lost in self-criticism
Why This Works
Social anxiety is not only about “overthinking.” It is a nervous system response that has become overly sensitive to perceived social risk. When you learn to work with both your thoughts and your body’s signals, you can gradually retrain your system to feel safe in more situations.
Over time, clients often share that they:
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Feel more relaxed and confident when meeting new people
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Stop avoiding opportunities they actually want to pursue
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Recover faster after social interactions instead of replaying them for hours
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Experience genuine enjoyment in connection with others
​You Deserve to Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin
Imagine walking into a room without your chest tightening. Imagine having a conversation without second-guessing every word. Imagine feeling free to connect with others as your authentic self.
Therapy can help you get there. Through understanding, practice, and compassionate guidance, you can learn to manage social anxiety and open the door to more connection, opportunity, and joy.
If you are ready to begin building the confidence to show up fully in your life, I would be honored to support you.
