If you or your child worries a great deal about what other people think of you (him/her), you may be suffering from a common disorder of social anxiety. While many people experience the severe form of this disorder that is easy to diagnose, there are many teens, adults and children who have milder manifestations of this kind of anxiety.
Social Anxiety can adversely impact a person’s success in many domains of life. Some teens and adults don’t even realize that they could get higher grades or career opportunities if they felt more comfortable tolerating anxiety provoking situations when they when they need to advocate for themselves or be more assertive. Socially anxious people can dismiss their own talents and accomplishments and be passed over for recognition or opportunities in favor of more assertive and self-promoting peers.
Social anxiety is a highly treatable problem. My approach is to proceed very slowly, so that clients do not become overwhelmed. I help each client to identify their own goals. Many socially anxious people secretely wish they could get a little more out of life. When we try various fun and interesting strategies, many clients choose to keep going and can take it to the next level where they become far more comfortable with who they are and what they have to offer socially and intellectually.
If you suspect that you or your loved one may be struggling with these difficulties, please feel free to call me at 970-214-5574 and explore treatment options.