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CBT for Social Anxiety

Struggling with social anxiety? Discover how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help reduce negative thoughts, build social confidence, and manage fear. Learn more at Rebecca Cox CBT.
Struggling with social anxiety? Discover how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help reduce negative thoughts, build social confidence, and manage fear. Learn more at Rebecca Cox CBT.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for Social Anxiety, but what might that look like and what's an example of a model I might use.


The Clark and Wells (1995) model provides a structured approach to understanding and treating Social Phobia in adults.


Overview of the Clark and Wells Model:

The Clark and Wells (1995) model focuses on the interaction between anxious predictions, intrusive images or memories, unhelpful beliefs, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours in social situations.


🧠 SOCIAL ANXIETY CYCLE:

·       ⚡️ Situation/Trigger: A social event or task (e.g., talking at a wedding, meeting new people, work team meeting)

·       💭 Negative Automatic Thoughts: 'They’ll think I’m weird, I'm not good enough', 'I will embarrass myself and everyone will see'.

·       👁️ Self-Image: Mental picture of self for exmaple looking awkward, red, frozen

·       😟 Physical Sensations & Emotions: Heart racing, sweating, embarrassed

·       🔄 Safety Behaviours: For exmaple, Avoiding eye contact

·       🎯 Attention Shift: Focusing inward → 'How do I sound?'


What might CBT for Social Anxiety look like:


  • Structured Sessions

  • Visual Aids

  • Interactive Activities

  • Goal Setting

  • Mindfulness Techniques

  • Regular Check-ins

  • Identifying Triggers

  • Challenging Negative Thoughts

  • Gradual Exposure

  • Reflect on Experiences


Conclusion

CBT using this model can be effectively tailored for your spsecific diffiuclties and experiences. Sessions will be designed around your specific needs and include engaging and interactive evidenced based techniques. By focusing on both cognitive and behavioral aspects of Social Anxiety, individuals could develop the skills needed to manage their anxiety in social situations.


Ready to start CBT for Social Anxiety? get in contact today rebecca@rebeccacoxcbt.co.uk

 
 
 

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