Shyness and Social Skills Psychologist Brisbane

What is it

We all have a tendency to feel uneasy when faced with a new social situation or when meeting an unfamiliar person for the first time. There are some people, however, who feel severely shy and awkward in social situations, and this impacts their ability to communicate confidently with others. Personal feelings of isolation, helplessness, and being misunderstood are common to these, as are challenges in maintaining relationships socially and at work. Over time, this can lead people to give up on future life goals (i.e., promotions, marriage, or a family) as symptoms become more severe, but there are effective short-term treatments available to overcome shyness if people seek help.

What does it include

Shy people often report the following symptoms in social environments (i.e., work, exams, presentations, lunch or dinner parties, and job interviews):

• Stress, nervousness, and a sense of insecurity.
• Physical sensations, including breathlessness, sweating, shakiness, or blushing.
• Worries about what others may be thinking about them and dwelling on their performance in a recent social situation.
• Difficulties with non-verbal communication, conversational, and assertiveness skills include passivity, avoiding eye contact, and confusion about what to say to others.

If you or someone you care about has been exhibiting the symptoms above and has started to avoid or withdraw from social situations, it is important they are encouraged to see a GP or psychologist for a thorough mental health assessment. Shyness can often mask other conditions, such as social or generalised anxiety, which can also benefit from psychological treatment but make their experiences more distressing if facing them alone.

How can a psychologist help

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment used to assist individuals in overcoming shyness and social anxiety and in building confidence in managing social settings. This approach focuses on psychoeducation about triggers and symptoms, building and refining social skills, and challenging negative thoughts about the self that can impact social performance. Treatment also focuses on increasing ways of managing any interpersonal setbacks that may arise through the use of role-play scenarios, followed by application in real-life scenarios.

References

Antony, M. & Swinson, R. (2000). Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven Techniques for Overcoming Your Fears. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Butler, G. (2016) Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness (2nd Ed). A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. England: Little, Brown Book Group.

Kazin, A. E. (2000). Encyclopedia of Psychology (8th Edition). Washington: American Psychological Association.

If you require additional information, please call our office at 07 3256 6320. Our mental health-focused reception staff will be only too happy to assist you with your enquiry about our service and can suggest the most suitable Psychologist for your concern.