Social Anxiety Background
Before CBT therapy:
I had SA since early childhood. I was always quiet in the classroom. It was hard to find a friend and I never was accepted in the clique. I had zero self-esteem and wanted to be dead since the 3rd grade through the end of college. In grades 3,7,8,9,and 10 I had no friends (finally got one). In work and in clubs I had an extremely difficult time being around people and yet craved contact and being accepted. I literally had a 2 minute tolerance for being the focus of attention before a panic attack would strike and I'd flee from wherever I was, unable to stop until I was far away. I'd also panic if I felt alone and ignored in a group. At work I'd dig my nails into my hands or arms to use pain as a distraction when I was talked to by someone, especially supervisors, to prevent a panic attack to run me out of the room. I have a scar from scratching into my hand after one meeting that I needed to get through. I could not put out my opinions or speak at meetings. I was diagnosed with severe social anxiety.

After CBT therapy:
I can keep calm and don't have a 2 minute limit with people. I have not had any panic attacks that made me leave a room. I do still feel SA discomfort but know how to handle it. I am able to go places alone and not feel self-conscious about being alone. I can speak at meetings and give my opinions. I can make small talk with others. I can see the progress I have made and I can spot areas that I still need to work on and know how to go about making that progress. The group is a very good way to stay on track and get encouragement and help to meet your goals.

Other Treatments
medications - this basically numbed me to emotion and limited the range of what I felt. Medications can be a help temporarily when beginning the behavioral exercises and when doing cognitive work but by itself it is not a cure and is not a long term solution.

Dr. Richards' tape series 'Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step by Step'. I can remember when I heard he was preparing this and I waited for it and ordered it when it first came out. I went through the CBT program and materials by myself several times on my own because I was determined to have a better life. It is hard work that takes 1/2 hour of practice every single day on the cognitive material. This helped me a great deal and got me to the point where I could take the step of seeking further help in the Arcadia CBT group to work on the behavioral therapy in a safe social setting.