Social Anxiety

Jul 7

Understanding Social Anxiety: When Being Seen Feels Scary

Have you ever felt your heart race when speaking in a group, feared saying the wrong thing in conversation, or avoided social gatherings altogether out of fear of judgment? These experiences are common—but when they become persistent, overwhelming, or interfere with your daily life, they may be signs of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

At Pulianda & Brock Psychology Associates, we work with individuals navigating social anxiety with compassion and proven therapeutic strategies. If you or someone you love feels trapped by fear in social situations, you’re not alone—and support is available.

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety isn’t simply “being shy” or introverted. It’s a chronic fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings. People with social anxiety often anticipate negative outcomes before an interaction even begins. This anxiety can be so intense that it leads toavoidance of everyday situations—attending meetings, dating, speaking up in class, or evenmaking phone calls.

It’s not about disliking people. In fact, many individuals with social anxiety crave connection—but their inner critic can be so loud and persistent that it drowns out their ability to show up authentically.

Common Signs of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can manifest in a variety of mental, emotional, and physical ways. You might notice:

Fear of being judged or humiliated in social or performance situations
Avoiding eye contact, speaking, or eating in front of others
Overanalyzing conversations—before, during, and long after they occur
Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, blushing, or rapid heartbeat
Intense fear of public speaking or being called on in a group
Avoiding social events despite wanting to attend

Many people with social anxiety report feeling trapped in their minds during interactions—so focused on their own performance that they miss the chance to connect.

What Causes Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety often develops due to a mix of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Here are a few common contributors:

Early criticism or bullying can lead to deeply ingrained fears of being shamed or judged.
Parenting styles that are overly controlling or critical may heighten fear of disapproval.
Traumatic or embarrassing experiences in social settings may reinforce avoidance.
Biological factors such as a sensitive temperament or overactive amygdala (the brain’s fear center) may increase risk.

Whatever the origin, social anxiety is not a personal failure. It is a common, treatable condition.

How Social Anxiety Impacts Life

Living with social anxiety can affect many areas of life:

Career: Difficulty networking, speaking in meetings, or pursuing leadership roles
Relationships: Avoiding dating, feeling distant in friendships, or struggling with communication
School: Fear of presentations or participation can impact academic success
Mental Health: Social isolation can lead to depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem

Over time, the fear of embarrassment or failure can shrink your world—narrowing opportunities and eroding confidence. But this does not have to be your story.

How We Help at Pulianda & Brock Psychology Associates

Our team understands how paralyzing social anxiety can feel, and we’re here to help you take steps—big or small—toward healing. We offer evidence-based, personalized therapy designed to help you feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. It helps you challenge the distorted thoughts that feed your fear (e.g., “Everyone will think I’m awkward”) and replace them with more balanced thinking. Over time, CBT empowers you to respond to anxiety with greater calm and clarity.

Exposure Therapy:

Gradual, guided exposure to feared situations helps desensitize the brain to triggers. For example, a therapist might support you in role-playing conversations or slowly working toward public speaking. The goal isn’t to erase discomfort—but to build resilience through practice.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

ACT encourages you to make room for uncomfortable emotions while still acting in alignment with your values. Instead of avoiding social settings, ACT helps you approach them mindfully—even if anxiety shows up.

Skills Coaching & Self-Compassion:

We also teach practical skills for communication, assertiveness, and self-soothing, while working on building a gentler, kinder relationship with yourself.

You Deserve to Be Seen—and Accepted

Living with social anxiety can make the world feel small. But you don’t have to stay hidden or alone. Therapy can help you reclaim your voice, expand your social world, and form meaningful connections without the constant burden of self-doubt.

At Pulianda & Brock Psychology Associates, we offer a warm, supportive environment where you can explore your anxiety at your own pace. Whether you’re just starting to name your fears or you’re ready to work through long-standing social anxiety, we’re here for you.

Take the First Step

If any of this resonates with you, we invite you to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.

Healing begins with one small, brave step—and you’ve already taken it by being here.