Fear before social situations
You rehearse conversations, expect criticism or feel intense dread before meeting or speaking with people.
Social anxiety support
Online CBT for social anxiety
Social situations can feel like a test when your attention is fixed on how you might appear. CBT can help you understand fear of judgement, reduce avoidance and build confidence through manageable practice.
Last reviewed by the Online CBT Counselling clinical team.
Understanding your experience
How social anxiety can show up
Social anxiety is more than shyness. You may fear being judged, embarrassed or visibly anxious in conversations, meetings, eating, dating or speaking in front of others. Avoidance can bring short-term relief while making the fear feel stronger over time.
Self-focused attention
You monitor your voice, face, body or words and struggle to follow what is happening around you.
Avoidance and safety behaviours
You stay quiet, avoid eye contact, leave early or rely on careful preparation to prevent judgement.
Replaying interactions
Afterwards, you review what you said and focus on signs that you came across badly.
A practical way forward
How CBT can help with social anxiety
CBT explores predictions about judgement, self-focused attention and the behaviours that keep social fear going. Your therapist can help you test assumptions through carefully chosen behavioural experiments in everyday life.
Map triggers, predictions and safety behaviours
Shift attention back to the conversation
Test fearful assumptions gradually
Respond differently to post-event rumination
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about starting online therapy for social anxiety.
Related support
Other areas you can explore
Take the next step at your pace
Find a qualified therapist who understands what you are facing.
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Find The Right Therapist For YouTherapy is personal and outcomes vary. This service does not diagnose, guarantee outcomes or replace urgent mental health care.
