Therapy for Social Anxiety
Working through the fear of being watched, judged, or replayed afterward.
Starting the Conversation
Talking About Feeling Judged
A first session about social anxiety often starts with describing situations where you feel watched or judged, such as a meeting, a party, or even a phone call, and what happens in your body and mind when that feeling shows up.
Your therapist will ask what situations feel hardest and what you tend to do in response. You can describe this in your own words without needing a diagnosis in mind.
Replaying Moments
When a Moment Gets Replayed Afterward
Many people with social anxiety replay a conversation or interaction afterward, searching for something they said wrong or a way they think they came across poorly.
This replaying can continue long after the moment has passed and can affect how you feel about seeing the same people again. Talking through this pattern is part of understanding your particular experience of social anxiety.
Avoiding Situations
When Avoidance Becomes the Pattern
Fear of judgment can lead to avoiding certain kinds of situations, which can grow over time if avoidance keeps the fear from being tested.
- Avoiding meetings or speaking up in groups
- Turning down invitations to parties or gatherings
- Letting calls go to voicemail instead of answering
- Skipping events out of worry about being judged
A CBT Approach
Using CBT and Gradual Practice
CBT is often used for social anxiety, looking at the thoughts that come up before and after a social situation and gradually practicing situations that have been avoided.
Gradual practice means starting with something more manageable and building from there, rather than facing the hardest situation first. Your therapist discusses each step with you beforehand and checks in afterward.
Adults and Teens
Support for Adults and for Teens
Our therapists work with adults on social anxiety using CBT, discussing situations like meetings, parties, and calls that feel especially hard.
Your therapist works with teens on social anxiety, including worries about school, friend groups, and social situations that feel overwhelming at that age.
Meet the Team
Our Adult and Teen Care
A therapist on our team is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California License #120707. This clinician offers adult therapy in English and Spanish. A therapist on our team is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144060. Registered associate. Provides services under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinician.
A therapist on our team is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #160969, working with teens in English and Spanish. Registered associate. Provides services under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinician. Ask about the clinician whose age focus and language match your situation.
Where We Meet
Sessions in Brentwood or by Video
Appointments take place at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 230, Brentwood, CA 94513, or by video while located in California. You might prefer to begin from a quiet room at home; the consultation can cover questions about the setting.
Session fees are shared during your free consultation. The practice accepts major credit cards and FSA and HSA cards. Ask about costs before arranging an appointment for yourself or your teen.
Next Step
Ask About a Free Phone Consultation
If making a call feels difficult, email info@heartnmindcounseling.com to request a free 15-minute phone consultation, without clinical details. Our number is (925) 331-0457. Ask about adult or teen appointments, Spanish with our therapists, and scheduling before choosing your next step.
Common Questions
Is This Available for Teens?
Yes. Your therapist works with teens on social anxiety, including worries about school and friend groups, and offers bilingual sessions.
Do I Have to Face the Hardest Situation First?
No. Gradual practice starts with something more manageable and builds from there, with each step discussed beforehand.
Is Bilingual Support Available?
Yes. Our therapists offer sessions in English and Spanish.
