Psychotherapies

Before exploring treatment options for social anxiety disorder, it is a good idea to first look at the main social anxiety disorder (social phobia) page for a general overview of the condition. Additionally, you should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.

Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective method of treatment for many problems facing people suffering from anxiety and depression, including those dealing with Social Anxiety Disorder.

Various Treatment Options to Consider
Ongoing research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be conducted alone or as part of a group CBT session, is consistently the most effective form for SAD.  Some people suffering from social anxiety do find relief using other therapies instead of or in addition to CBT. Newer therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which addresses SAD cases where there is a history of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on understanding and accepting anxiety in order to move forward, are options for SAD treatment but have yet to have the backing of scientific research.

There are several points to consider if you choose to pursue treatment via psychotherapy:

1) It is very important to find a psychologist or therapist who you are comfortable with and who has specific experience with the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. Your therapy is less likely to be successful if you therapist is not right for your particular needs.

2) If you do not have access to a suitable therapist in your area, audio therapy is an option. Pre-recorded exercises and discussions allow you to benefit from expert advice without having to travel long distances to meet with the psychologist in person.

3) Many people find that group behavioral therapy works well for them. If this is an avenue you wish to explore, finding a therapy group that meets in your area and is suitable for SAD sufferers is an important step in the process. Consider location and group dynamics when looking at different group therapy options.