Problems it can help

CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder in London

Efficacy's Cognitive Behavioural therapists, based in centres across London & Sevenoaks, are experts and highly training in delivering CBT treatments to help you overcome social anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder (also know as social phobia and excessive shyness) is characterised by a persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the individual believes they will be in some way be evaluated negatively by others. Problems usually develop in adolescence and the patients can believe that their anxiety is a part of their personality and nothing can be done about these problems - however evidence suggests that social anxiety disorder is a treatable condition. The Royal College of Psychiatrist, NHS, National Institute of Clinical Effectiveness, and others agree that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for social anxiety disorder.

Common Features

People with social anxiety tend to have specific negative beliefs about themselves in social situations. These beliefs are usually triggered by an up and coming social event, causing anticipatory anxiety. When we become social anxious we tend to focus on how we are coming across to others. These thoughts cause us to feel physical symptoms of anxiety that can cause embarrassment. Usually, when we become socially anxious we have set ourselves high standard of how to act, that are unrealistic or rules we would not usually place on others. Often when we are socially anxious we think about how we could do better in social situations - causing the fear on entering an event and the churning over past interactions.

Treatment Options

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for social anxiety disorder.

CBT address the way information is processed in social anxiety disorder by understanding the process and finding new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving in specific interactions. Patients usually require 8-12 sessions of therapy.

Efficacy is a pure CBT service based in three London locations and Sevenoaks with a team of BABCP accredited CBT therapists. All accredited cognitive behavioural therapists will be trained mental health professionals and competent in the diagnosis and treating social anxiety. So you can be assured that you health is in the hands of trusted health care professionals.

Evidence Base

Cognitive behaviour therapy is effective in adults and has been shown to reduce symptoms, improve function and improve quality of life. CBT aims to change the way one thinks, behaves and feels, so one learns to identify the thoughts and feelings that are causing certain behaviours.

If you would like to find out more or book an assessment in London then call on the number below or complete the online contact form.

Telephone: 020 7808 7900