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BEING A PARENT WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY

Parenting is no easy task, and when you factor in managing social anxiety as a parent, the challenges can be both unique and daunting. Trying to cope with your own anxiety while trying to show up in life for your child might feel overwhelming. Attending sporting events, school functions, doctor’s appointments, play dates, birthday parties,… [Continue reading]

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SOCIAL ANXIETY IN TODDLERS

Toddlerhood is defined as the age range from 12 to 36 months. During this period, a child’s emotional and cognitive development grows by leaps and bounds, as do their social skills. This also coincides with the time when children are likely to go into a daycare environment or head off to preschool. As they engage… [Continue reading]

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SOCIAL ANXIETY: OUR OWN REALITY SHOW

Smile for the camera Most of us can remember when reality TV was still in its incubation period before it exploded into every family room across the globe. Debates have been had on when the exact advent was of what can be referred to as “reality TV”, otherwise known as unscripted entertainment in the style… [Continue reading]

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SOCIAL ANXIETY: STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU THINK IS TRUE

The National Social Anxiety Center predicts that approximately 12% of Americans will experience some form of life-interfering social anxiety in their lifetime. Forming new friendships or relationships, introducing oneself to strangers, or speaking during a meeting are all examples of situations that can trigger social anxiety. While social anxiety can feel debilitating, there are effective… [Continue reading]

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“BUT WHAT ARE THEY REALLY THINKING?” SOCIAL ANXIETY AND THE STRUGGLE WITH UNCERTAINTY

Many outcome studies have shown cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to be the most effective approach to overcoming social anxiety. While core interventions of CBT such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments (learn more about these strategies here) can help people to make great improvements to their social anxiety symptoms, one trait that can have… [Continue reading]

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SOCIAL ANXIETY: A SMALL SHIFT, A BIG IMPACT

Me, my thoughts, and my emotions Most individuals experience successes and failures during social interactions. Although it is helpful to be mindful of internal experiences and one’s own behaviors, too much focus on these things often exacerbates cognitive and behavioral symptoms of social anxiety. A negative filter When compared to individuals who are not socially… [Continue reading]