What This Can Look Like
Social anxiety can involve intense fear before, during, or after social situations. It often leads to avoidance or “playing it safe,” which can shrink life over time.
It may show up as:
- Avoiding conversations, groups, or new people
- Fear of public speaking, eating in front of others, or being observed
- Rehearsing what to say or reviewing interactions afterward
- Leaving situations early or needing a companion
- Feeling stuck in self-criticism and embarrassment
How Anxiety Maintains the Cycle
Avoidance and safety behaviors reduce discomfort short-term, but they teach the brain that social situations are dangerous. That keeps the fear strong and makes confidence harder to build.
How CBT and Exposure Therapy Help
CBT helps you treat anxious thoughts as hypotheses, not facts. Gradual exposure helps you practice social situations in a planned way so the brain learns new associations.
Treatment often includes:
- Understanding how social anxiety works
- Learning practical tools to shift attention and reduce self-focus
- Gradually confronting feared social situations
- Practicing skills between sessions to build real confidence
What Treatment Looks Like at KY Cards
You and your clinician will develop a clear plan and practice skills in session and in real-world settings when appropriate. The focus is measurable progress and the ability to handle social situations with flexibility.
For Children, Teens, and Families
For younger clients, treatment is adapted developmentally. Parents may be involved to support confidence-building without reinforcing avoidance.