Are you one of the 15 million individuals in the US grappling with social anxiety disorder? Explore expert social anxiety therapy in Philadelphia or beyond with our comprehensive, demonstrated CBT approach. Whether you’re seeking therapy or you’re a mental health professional looking to learn about social anxiety disorder therapies and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for social anxiety especially, the information and interview below might be valuable.
Social Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia and Beyond
Located in Philadelphia but accessible through teletherapy nationwide, our center specializes in cutting-edge therapy for social anxiety disorder and other anxiety-related issues. We’ve assisted numerous adults, teens, and kids in overcoming the challenges of social anxiety, empowering them to live more fulfilling lives.
Our psychologists also work with patients to address related performance anxieties, such as anxieties about public speaking, sexual performance, and paruresis or shy bladder syndrome. These conditions share similarities with social anxiety disorder and our therapies employ similar principles to therapy for social anxiety to address them effectively.Â
Our clinic founder and director, Dr. Daniel Chazin, is a leading expert on social anxiety therapy in Philadelphia, recognized for his expertise and contributions to the field. Since 2019 he has been serving as the Philadelphia representative and board secretary of the National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC). Dr. Chazin also provides trainings and supervision/consultation for other professionals in these therapeutic approaches, contributing to the broader understanding and effective application of social anxiety treatments.
Help is Available: CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder
One of the most effective and extensively researched social anxiety disorder therapies is Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (CT-SAD), a specific form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) we specialize in. Developed by British clinical psychologist David M. Clark and his research team, CT-SAD has undergone rigorous study over several decades. Â
In this form of CBT, we guide patients to confront avoided social situations and minimize behaviors that entangle them with anxiety. Our approach encourages patients to redirect their focus away from self-scrutiny and immerse themselves in the social environment. Additionally, we enable patients to challenge their fears of negative evaluation and transform their fundamental perceptions of themselves and their likeability and competence, the costs of social mistakes, and their ability to authentically express themselves.
A pivotal component of the transformative process involves behavioral experiments. These well-planned exercises allow individuals to systematically test their anxious assumptions and beliefs, enabling them to make discoveries and gain valuable insights through firsthand experiences.Â
Therapy Can be Life-Changing
What distinguishes CT-SAD from generic CBT methods is its solid foundation in years of research into the intricacies of social anxiety and its application of specific change strategies.Â
The therapy frequently brings about profound changes in self-perception, improved functioning, and enhanced quality of life for many of our patients. In fact, numerous studies have shown that, overall, patients undergoing this particular form of CBT with trained specialists tend to experience significantly greater improvements compared to those in alternative therapies. These alternatives include supportive psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, group cognitive behavioral therapy, standard exposure therapy, and drug therapy with the common SSRI medication fluoxetine (Warnock-Parkes et al., 2020).
Given these findings, if you are in search of social anxiety therapy for yourself, a family member, or a loved one, we strongly recommend seeking psychologists who are well-versed, not only in general CBT, but also in this specific form of CBT. This expertise promotes a comprehensive understanding and effective application of the tailored strategies that can make CT-SAD particularly impactful.
Interview with Social Anxiety Expert David M. Clark
In a recent and significant interview in collaboration with NSAC, Dr. Chazin met with Dr. Clark, who currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus at the University of Oxford in England.
During the interview, Dr. Clark shared insights into the process of working with social anxiety, his extensive work in the field, and the unique treatment methods he has developed. The discussion also shed light on distinctions between CBT for social anxiety disorder and various other therapeutic approaches. Dr. Clark also delved into research findings regarding adaptations of this therapy for teenagers, its application in teletherapy, and its efficacy in internet-based therapy delivery.Â
Additionally, the recorded interview provided below offers a deeper exploration into the intricacies of social anxiety therapy, particularly when dealing with patients with multiple psychological conditions, and its application across diverse populations. These are subjects that psychologists are beginning to approach with greater consideration, and we anticipate more in-depth investigation and discussion in the future.
Interview with Social Anxiety Expert David M. Clark
Whether you are seeking information about social anxiety, looking for effective coping strategies, or interested in furthering your understanding of this condition, we’re here to help. At the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we specialize in helping adult, child, and teen clients with social anxiety and related disorders make deep changes. Our Philadelphia center offers expert social anxiety therapy, accessible through teletherapy nationwide. Additionally, we are committed to supporting professionals in furthering their expertise in providing effective care.
Ready to take the next step? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized assistance and guidance. Learn more about our approach and services on our Philadelphia Social Anxiety Treatment Center page.
Be sure to explore our curated collection of free and low-cost social anxiety resources, including websites and recommended books. You can find these valuable materials on our dedicated Resources Page. Therapists might also consider checking out the free resources provided by Dr. Clark and his team at OxCADAT and those on NSAC’s website.
These resources are designed to provide you with valuable insights, practical tips, and reliable guidance on your journey to managing social anxiety effectively. We believe in empowering individuals of all ages to take charge of their mental health, and our resources page is a great starting point to discover the support you need, whether you’re a client seeking help or a professional looking to deepen your expertise in effective care.
