Social anxiety impacts a growing number of American adults today. When left untreated, it can interfere with daily life and relationships. Exposure therapy has proven to be a useful tool in helping individuals overcome social anxiety.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is marked by a fear in certain or many social situations. Individuals experiencing social anxiety might experience strong physical symptoms before or during social situations, and some may begin to avoid social settings entirely. These physical symptoms include sweating, shortness of breath, chest pressure, trembling, and more.
How Does Exposure Therapy For Social Anxiety Help?
Exposure therapy helps clients overcome social anxiety by helping them face their fears in a safe, supported environment. This is done by either vividly imagining the anxiety producing situation or through role playing with the counselor. Exposure to feared settings over time builds resilience and reduces symptoms of anxiety.
When you begin exposure therapy, you and your counselor will set goals for your sessions, create a scale of anxiety-evoking situations, then work to confront and overcome the fears in each of those settings. Throughout your sessions, you and your counselor will evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Exposure Therapy at Garrett Counseling
The Garrett Counseling team offers exposure therapy at our locations throughout Alabama including Albertville, Huntsville, Jacksonville, and Jasper. We also offer some online counseling options. Contact us at (256) 239-5662 to learn more and schedule an appointment.