Shadow of social anxiety
Talk to a Â鶹ԭ´´ therapist about social anxiety

If you feel like you’re living under a shadow of social anxiety – you’re not alone.

Social anxiety is an overwhelming fear of social situations and interactions that can affect your everyday life, relationships, confidence, work and education. It can relate to one-to-one conversations in person or by phone, group gatherings or social events.

It’s much more than shyness and can have a huge impact on your daily life.

More than half (54%) of the population experience social anxiety, with 72% of 16 to 24-year-olds affected.

Nearly two in three (64%) of those who’ve had social anxiety say it has affected their personal and professional lives.

We’ve launched our Shadow of social anxiety campaign to highlight how social anxiety affects people – and how a qualified, registered therapist can support you to cope with and overcome your social anxiety.

Read our Â鶹ԭ´´ Social anxiety campaign launched web page

Read our Â鶹ԭ´´ Six ways to ease social anxiety web page

How can therapy help with social anxiety? 

Counselling can give you a safe, confidential space to talk about how you’re feeling, without being judged.

Your therapist can help you to understand why you think and feel this way and support you to overcome your social anxiety.

They can help you with strategies to cope and how to think more positively about yourself so that it no longer impacts your daily life.

Read our Â鶹ԭ´´ article about social anxiety

How to find a therapist

You may be able to see a therapist for free through your GP or the NHS, from where you work or study, or through charities and voluntary services.

Or you can pay to see a private Â鶹ԭ´´ therapist. This gives you a wider choice and you may be able to see someone quicker, perhaps for longer. 

Why choose a Â鶹ԭ´´ member?

Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist, so it’s important you choose a therapist who’s listed on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register – such as the Â鶹ԭ´´ register. Choosing a Â鶹ԭ´´-registered counsellor gives you an assurance that they meet the high standards of proficiency, training and ethical practice you would expect.

Find a Â鶹ԭ´´ member who can help you with your self-esteem using our Therapist directory.