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Social Anxiety

Talking therapies for Social Anxiety in Cardiff, Carmarthen and online via video.

Social anxiety is a condition characterised by intense fear or worry about social interactions or situations where a person may feel judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised. This can lead to avoidance of everyday activities such as meeting new people, speaking in public, or attending social events. Social anxiety can significantly affect self-esteem, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Talking therapies provides a safe, supportive space to understand these feelings, learn coping strategies, and build confidence in social situations.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

Intense fear of social situations or interactions
Worry about being judged, criticised, or embarrassed
Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, shaking, or a racing heart
Overthinking conversations before and after they occur
Avoiding social events, public speaking, or meeting new people
Low confidence or self-esteem

Therapy for Social Anxiety

Talking therapies is one of the most effective ways to treat social anxiety. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), exposure-based techniques, and person-centred talking therapies help individuals challenge negative thoughts, build social confidence, and reduce avoidance behaviours. Our therapists create a supportive environment where clients can explore their fears, develop practical coping strategies, and work towards feeling more comfortable and confident in social settings.

Talking therapies for social anxiety includes:

An in-depth assessment to identify triggers, symptoms, and personal goals
Cognitive techniques to challenge negative beliefs about social situations
Gradual exposure planning to increase confidence in manageable steps
Developing assertiveness and communication skills
Long-term strategies to manage anxiety and maintain progress

Counselling for Social Anxiety – How Are Talking Therapies Different?

Counselling for social anxiety is one form of talking therapy that can help individuals understand their fears around social situations, reduce avoidance behaviours, and develop confidence in interpersonal settings. Counselling offers structured, supportive sessions that focus on current challenges, emotional regulation, and practical coping strategies to manage anxiety in social environments. Psychotherapy explores the emotional patterns, past experiences, and psychological processes that may contribute to persistent social fears, self-consciousness, and worries about judgement. Both counselling and psychotherapy for social anxiety are beneficial, but they differ in focus, method, and the type of change they aim to achieve. Psychotherapy offers a more in-depth approach, making it particularly well suited for individuals who want to understand the underlying emotional factors driving their social fears and work towards longer-term, meaningful change.

At iTT, all talking therapy for social anxiety is delivered by qualified psychotherapists. This ensures that individuals receive a depth of support capable of addressing both present symptoms and the underlying psychological factors contributing to their anxiety.

How do I start my therapy?

Your next steps to positive change

We want to ensure that all of our clients receive the information they need to make an informed decision about their therapy. If you are ready to start your journey with us please contact us.

Independent Talking Therapies