Group Therapy For Social Anxiety Works!

by Dr. Lindsay Kramer, psychotherapist and staff writer at The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com    

           Group therapy for those dealing with social anxiety?!  Strange as it may seem, there is a great amount of evidence that shows a social anxiety group is extremely helpful and also may be a first choice treatment option for those suffering with social anxiety.*

            I have had the privilege of working with many people of varying ages and backgrounds who struggle with this complex fear.  I know the debilitating nature that social anxiety can have over one’s experience at a job, in relationships, and in life.  I also understand the proverbial loneliness that can pervade one’s existence once victim to this anxiety disorder.  If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety, I commend you for reading this.  I know this can be really scary, but I also realize the benefits to overcoming social anxiety far outweigh living a life of isolation and fear.

            So how do we get there?  Recent research has provided that cognitive-behavioral therapy conducted in a group format can be valuable in conquering social anxiety disorder.  It goes on to specify that group treatment may be more effective than individual treatment for social anxiety in that it allows people to practice the very interactions of which they are afraid.  Researchers also advocate for group therapy for social anxiety because it is cost effective and efficient.  This is not to say that individual treatment with a social anxiety doctor specialist does not work—it is, in fact, just as helpful, as depicted in research studies.  However, support groups for social anxiety can be a breakthrough additional treatment to offer those who struggle with fears of interaction.

            Let’s close our eyes briefly and conjure up an image of what a social anxiety group might look like.  Think of six or seven other members, all with their own trepidation and fears of social situations.  Anxiety is high—yes.  But judgment is non-existent.  Everyone is too occupied with their own internal struggles to notice anything about anyone else.  There is a trained anxiety specialist who is leading the group, gently but confidently providing support and guidance to help all members reach the shared goal of overcoming social anxiety.  This group meets once a week, always on the same day and at the same time.  There are no surprises.  Gradually, the members become familiar with the context and the environment, and they begin to look to one another for reassurance and validation.  And before you know it, interactions are occurring without the fear and worry of being judged or misperceived.  It becomes safe.  And eventually the group members are able to take what is being done in group and apply it to their personal lives.  And that is a picture of a successful support group for social anxiety.

            Could you imagine it?  Was it difficult?  My guess is that while it may have been scary, it also sparked some glimmer of hope.  That maybe this could be the answer to overpowering the fears and heartaches that comprise social anxiety disorder.  If you are looking for help, the April Center leads groups for all sorts of anxiety disorders, including a support group for social anxiety.  Lastly, if you are still reading this, I once again congratulate you for even considering seeking help.  You are one step closer to overcoming fear and leading a life filled with freedom.

*http://m.news24.com/health24/Mental-Health/News/Group-therapy-eases-social-anxiety-disorder-20131205

All the best,

DR.  KRAMER  
from The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

P. S.  Don't forget to sign up for our anxiety newsletter on our website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips! 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Support Groups For Social Anxiety Disorder

 by Dr. Craig April, Psychologist and Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com


Support groups for social anxiety can be a curious endeavor to those that don't struggle with this common phobia. For instance, others might wonder how those with social anxiety (also called social phobia) will participate in a support group when this participation speaks to the foundation of their fear. This is a rational consideration. However, there is no cause for concern for a few reasons.

Why Support Groups For Social Anxiety Disorder Are Effective :

1.) All group members are struggling with social interaction and are not engaged in judging one another. This is a significant experience for all, considering that the foundation of social phobia is the fear that others will judge or criticize. Working on this struggle in a welcoming environment has a strong effect.

2.) The group is a setting that creates support and understanding. Because it takes courage to face social anxiety and all that it encompasses, receiving support and understanding is crucial.

3.) The safe group environment provides a forum for those struggling with social anxiety to explore its origins. CBT oriented groups generally don't spend a lot of time on how this phobia was created. However, a safe group environment often evokes curiosity in members, routinely followed by a discussion of how social anxiety develops.

4.) The focus of the group is on breaking free from the grasp of social anxiety and not on unrelated topics. The best social anxiety groups don't waste time talking about issues that are irrelevant to members struggles.

5.) Group members become accountable to themselves, but also to each other to complete homework assignments designed to help them overcome the barriers of social anxiety. Homework then is a key component in the successful treatment of social anxiety.

6.) An experience of camaraderie develops amongst group members who are all sharing in this anxiety therapy process and getting to know one another. This is generally a positive experience for all.

7.) Momentum builds as members begin making progress. This creates further motivation to move beyond social phobia. Members tend to reach their progress goals with a strong level of inertia. The cliche "Seeing is believing" tends to occur here.

8.) CBT oriented social anxiety support groups are technique focused. In other words, group members are taught strategies that address how to manage anxiety symptoms.

All of the above are reasons why social anxiety support groups can be so effective in reducing anxiety and providing relief.

If you struggle with social anxiety, don't hesitate to seek group therapy. Follow the link for more information on The April Center's social anxiety support groups now.

All the best,

DR. APRIL 
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

P. S.  Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!