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Behavioral Therapy Effectively Treats Children with Social Phobia
Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an extremely distressing fear of social situations, of being watched or judged by others, and of being embarrassed. Children with the disorder avoid everyday activities and situations such as playing with other kids, reading in class, and speaking to adults.
Is Social Phobia Keeping You From Enjoying Life?
By Stanley E. Hibbs, Ph.D.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you are taught how to control the physical symptoms (e.g. rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, muscle tension) that often accompany social phobia. You are also taught how to overcome your fears by developing more positive ways of thinking about the anxiety-provoking situation(s). Your therapist acts as a coach who encourages you throughout the whole process.
"Shyness" or Social Phobia?
Millions of us experience symptoms of high anxiety in social situations. Although it's very treatable, a mere one in twenty of those who suffer with social phobia gets professional help. Among the many reasons why people don't seek treatment are not knowing that what they have has a "name" and that it can be treated; not knowing where or how to look for help; feeling demoralized that they have a problem they can't fix themselves; and/or mistakenly believing their social anxiety is simply caused by "shyness."
The Compelling Power of Cliques
Ideally, belonging to a set group of friends or "clique" can help a teen feel capable, cool and in control. Sometimes, however, the power of social cliques casts a dark shadow.
Overcoming Performance Anxieties
By Mitchell Milch, CSW
Performance anxieties are like fire alarms that signal danger. They appear to exist outside of us but, in truth, are projections of fear inspired recollections and/or apprehensions of what could’ve, should’ve or would’ve happened to us during childhood.
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