SHAME AND SOCIAL ANXIETY: A DISCUSSION WITH KRISTIN BIANCHI, PhD
Dr. Kristin Bianchi is a licensed psychologist. She practices at the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change in Rockville, MD, which is affiliated with NSAC as its regional clinic in Montgomery County, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Kristin specializes in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and disorders of body-focused repetitive behaviors such as excoriation disorder and trichotillomania. Most recently, she has expanded her scope of practice to include adult autism. Kristin has a special interest in reducing shame, guilt, embarrassment, and perfectionism in all of the clients she treats. With humility, she strives to create safe, affirmative spaces that facilitate identity formation and expression. She is passionate about educating the community on mental health, and enjoys giving talks to diverse audiences.
Kristin is interviewed by Larry Cohen, LICSW, A-CBT. Larry is NSAC’s Cochair and cofounder. He represents NSAC District of Columbia (Social Anxiety Help). Larry authored an article geared toward socially anxious persons entitled “Shame: The Oft-Neglected Ingredient in Social Anxiety.” It appeared in NSAC’s social anxiety blog in December, 2022.
Kristin Bianchi presented a clinical seminar entitled “When Shame Can’t Be Reframed: A Behavioral Approach to Reducing Pathological Shame in Mixed Depression and Anxiety.” This seminar was presented at the national conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) on April 8, 2018, in Washington, DC. These slides accompanied her seminar.