What will they think of me?
Many of us experience moments of nervousness or social anxiety, such as times before or during public speaking, an interview, or even a new date.
Social anxiety or social phobia is experienced when there is intense fear of being watched, judged or criticised by other people particularly in public situations. For some, it may include a fear of acting in ways that will lead to embarrassement, humiliation or rejection.
Social phobia may be experienced in almost all social situations. However for others, it may be experienced only in certain social settings and gatherings.
Often the fear that others will notice the anxiety can heighten the experience.
In some cases, it may be a learnt behaviour from family environment or due to negative experiences during childhood and adolescence.
Types of Social Anxiety
- Public speaking
- School Presentations
- Meeting new people
- Job interviews
- Fear of dating
- Exams
- Using public toilets
- Dealing with authority figures
- Eating in public
- Stage performances
- Fear of exams
Some experiences of social anxiety or phobia:
- Rapid breathing
- Shaky voice
- Feelings of Nausea
- Blushing
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Pounding heart
- Tight chest
- Dry mouth, clammy hands
- Shaking or trembling
- Tense muscles
Even Famous people can experience social phobia
Barbara Streisand
Barbara Streisand often experienced social phobia before her performances. During a certain stage in her life it was so sever that she was unable to sing publicly for many years. It was in 1967 during a public performance when she forgot the words to several songs. Since that experience her fear of repeating embarrassing mistakes and being judged was so great that she avoided singling in public. However she was able to overcome her social phobia by taking small steps towards recovery and eventually was able to tour and perform in concert in 1994.
My Philosophy is to provide a therapeutic, nurturing and supportive environment to explore your patterns and behaviours.
In particular we will look at the individual biological, psychological and social influences. With experience in a range of therapies we will work together in gaining deeper insight. Some of the therapies I work with include:
- Psychotherapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Mind Body Therapy
- Insight Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness and Acceptance Therapy
- Visualisation and Relaxation Techniques
- Yogi Philosophy