Characteristics

• Involves a persistent fear of social or performance situations
  
• Individual worries they may show symptoms of anxiety that will be embarrassing (i.e sweaty hands, trembling voice).
  
• Individuals with social phobia are likely to avoid parties and gatherings and they have difficulty initiating interactions with people that are unfamiliar.
  
• They may also be reluctant to perform relatively basic activities in public like speaking, eating, drinking, and using public restrooms.
  

Effective Solutions

• Cognitive therapy is effective in shifting the perceptions client's have of social interactions
• Behavioral Techniques such graded exposure allow the client to experience fearful situations and manage more effective with specific tools and strategies
• Group therapy for social anxiety is offered to help clients conquer their fears alongside and with the help of others experiencing similar issues.

Contact Behavior Therapy of New York to learn more about treatments for social phobia.