Easing Stress Through Social Anxiety Disorder Therapy in Watertown, SD
Do you experience intense anxiety or nervousness when faced with social situations? Do you fear being judged or criticized by others? Are you always worried about making mistakes, looking bad, or being embarrassed in front of others?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you may have social anxiety disorder. While it is normal to feel nervous occasionally, people who experience daily social anxiety tend to avoid everyday interactions due to significant fear, anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or judged by others. The good news is that it can be dealt with! An anxiety therapist’s expertise goes a long way in addressing the negative feelings associated with being perceived in public. Turn to Aspen Counseling Services in Watertown, South Dakota, for social anxiety disorder therapy done right.
What Does Social Anxiety Disorder Look Like?
People with social anxiety disorder may have an especially difficult time with:
- Being teased or criticized
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched or observed while completing a task
- Having to say something in a formal, public setting
- Meeting people in authority, such as important people or authority figures
- Feeling insecure and out of place in social situations
- Embarrassing easily
- Meeting other people’s eyes
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition, not a personal shortcoming of yours. More importantly, it’s not a lifetime sentence. Learning coping skills in therapy sessions can give you confidence to improve your ability to interact with others.
Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorder
At Aspen Counseling, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. Our social anxiety disorder therapy helps clients uncover the thought patterns that drive fear and avoidance to replace them with healthier ways of thinking and interacting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to challenge negative beliefs and build confidence in social situations, while Exposure Therapy can help individuals face their fears in a safe environment. For clients who have experienced trauma or rejection in the past, trauma-informed therapy or Emotion-Focused Therapy may also be incorporated to address deeper emotional wounds.
Give Yourself the Chance to Thrive
Through social anxiety disorder therapy at Aspen Counseling, you have the chance to learn relaxation techniques, self-compassion, and communication skills that make social interactions feel less daunting. Over time, our clients experience greater ease, confidence, and fulfillment in their daily lives. If you feel you may have a social anxiety disorder, reach out to our office in Watertown to get started with a free consultation.