Social Anxiety Therapy in San Francisco, CA
Social anxiety can feel like an invisible weight, pressing down on you in social situations. It's not just about feeling nervous or shy—it's a persistent fear of judgment, embarrassment, or scrutiny in everyday interactions. You might find yourself replaying conversations in your mind, scrutinizing every word or action, and worrying excessively about how others perceive you.
For many, social anxiety can feel like a constant need to please others. Some avoid certain social situations altogether, or they fall into habits that temporarily ease discomfort like overthinking or over-preparing for social events. Social anxiety can lead to feelings of isolation, as the fear of negative evaluation makes it feel impossible to connect authentically with others.
Social anxiety is entering a room full of people and immediately feeling like all eyes are on you, analyzing your every move. This heightened self-consciousness can trigger physical changes like sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and even panic attacks. Over time, these physical reactions and sensations can erode self-confidence and reinforce the belief that social interactions are inherently threatening.
Social anxiety isn't just about being introverted or shy—it's a complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, physiological responses, and behaviors that can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing these patterns is crucial for reclaiming confidence and enjoying meaningful social connections without overwhelming fear.
More than 12% of adults in the U.S. will experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024). If you resonate with the experience of social anxiety, I'm here to help you explore tools and strategies tailored to your unique needs and goals. Together, we can work towards reducing anxiety, building self-compassion, and empowering you to engage more comfortably and authentically in social settings.
I am currently offering individual psychotherapy sessions in-person in San Francisco, and through a secure online platform. Here are the steps:
First, book a free 15-minute consult with me. You can ask any questions you have, and I can learn more about what’s bringing you to therapy.
If we’re a good fit, we can schedule a 50-minute session. Before your session, I’ll send you an intake packet that you can fill out electronically in your own time. During our first session, you can tell me more about what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to get out of therapy.
We can set up ongoing weekly sessions from there. Each person is different, so the amount of time you spend in therapy will depend on your unique needs and goals.