Group CBT Treatment for Social Fears

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been research-validated for its approach to Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)  and the most effective treatment modality for SAD is CBT Group therapy. The following is a brief description of SAD, the group CBT treatment of SAD, and an announcement about the Social Fears group that we are now forming.

Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment

What is Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?                                                                                                                                         SAD is characterized by feeling excessive anxiety in social situations.  Symptoms may include blushing, sweating, intense feelings of shame, and feelings of fear in social or performance situations where one is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. Seven percent of adults in America experience SAD, and it can have devastating effects on one’s personal and work life, making even the day-to-day acts of making a phone call or responding to email challenging. As a result, people may entirely avoid these situations, or suffer through them at great personal cost.

How is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in a group setting helpful?                                                                               CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder and when done in a group format, it is even more powerful. In the group, clients receive education about anxiety and learn news ways of thinking about anxiety-provoking social situations. They learn new skills to get them through stressful times and build confidence in their ability to successfully negotiate social situations. Most importantly, clients are guided by our experienced and supportive therapists through a variety of social situations right from the start in order to immediately begin learning and healing.

So why choose a group format to treat SAD?                                                                                                                           Although it might seem especially difficult for someone suffering from SAD, the group format is intentionally chosen and leveraged to increase treatment progress by allowing for immediate application of learned skills and by providing a supportive social environment within which to practice. This is a safe group that will provide an alternative social experience for you in which to build your confidence. In short, this research-validated group treatment includes education, cognitive restructuring (learning how to challenge unhelpful beliefs about self and others), relaxation training, assertiveness training, and exposures (i.e., gradually learning to face one’s fears directly).

Questions You May Have:

What if I feel I’m too anxious to do a group format?
We’ll ease you in!  First, we will speak on the phone briefly, and then in some cases, we may meet with you individually before the group. This will allow you to meet the facilitators, as well as see our office and be more comfortable in the first group session. Also keep in mind that everyone in the group experiences some form of SAD; you’re not alone! If you would prefer to contact us via email, feel free.

How long will the group last?
The group will run for 10 sessions, with one free “booster” session approximately one month after the 10th session.

When is the group?
We will be meeting Mondays from 7:30-8:45 pm at the Torrance office.

How much will it cost?
The cost of the group varies depending on whether you pay the total cost of the 10 sessions prior to the start of the group, or select the pay-as-you-go option. If you pay in advance, the cost will be $700 (i.e., $70 per group session), which includes a free “booster” session after you’ve completed the group. If you choose to pay-as-you-go, the cost per group is $80 with the “booster” session at the additional cost of $80 for a total of $880 for the complete group.

Do you accept my insurance?
We do not accept insurance. We can, however, provide you with a form, known as a “superbill” that makes it easy to submit to your insurance company to help you get reimbursement. Feel free to ask us about this when you call if you have more questions.

Whom do I contact for more information or to sign up for the group?                                                                         Nikki Frousakis, Ph.D. 310-375-4855, extension 3, or [email protected]

To sign up for email or phone consulation and screening, please fill out the form HERE