Social Anxiety and/or Shyness Support Group

Facilitated by Anita Avedian, MFT

If you experience social anxiety and/or shyness in group or social situations, you may benefit from this group.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety refers to discomfort in social situations, oftentimes because of concern and fear about being judged, doing something foolish, or making a bad impression. Social anxiety can be limited to certain types of situations. The intensity of social anxiety varies for each individual. For some people, the anxiety is limited to a single social situation, and for others, the anxiety occurs in most social situations.

The fear of social situations oftentimes provokes high levels of anxiety including physiological reactions to the situation including increased heartbeat, flushing, sweating, or nausea.

The consideration of facing a social situation interferes significantly with the person’s functioning in school, at work, or in interpersonal relationships.

A social situation involves you and other people. It can include interpersonal interactions (talking to a person) or performance situations (such as public speaking).

On the average, 7-8% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of social anxiety.  Usually women are twice as likely as men to suffer from social anxiety however, men are more likely to seek treatment. This is probably due to the impact social anxiety has on their relationships and careers.

There is a correlation with people suffering from social anxiety and alcohol abuse. This is probably due to trying to ease the level of discomfort one has in social situations.  

About Social Anxiety and Shyness Support Group

In this group, you will have the opportunity to be in a safe environment where you could learn about social anxiety and the skills to help you work through difficult situations. Participants of the Social Anxiety and Shyness Support Group will have the opportunity to practice the newly learned skills that helps with overcoming or managing social anxiety and shyness.

The Social Anxiety and Shyness Support Group meets weekly in the office setting. Once a month we hold a meeting outside the office to practice the newly learned skills. Without practice, avoidance of situations may continue.

The group will start on Wednesday, March 21. Meeting time is 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm. The fee is $225/month prepaid monthly. There will be a free half hour consultation prior to entering the group. Contact Anita Avedian at (818) 426-2495 to schedule your intake.