Social Anxiety Therapy Glasgow: Counselling & Therapy

Your mind goes blank mid-conversation. Face burning red, you’re sure everyone notices. The fear of saying something stupid is paralysing, leaving you feeling tense, so you say nothing. Later, you replay every interaction, cringing at things you said - or didn’t say, with racing thoughts making it hard to move on. People with social anxiety often feel anxious in anticipation of or during social situations, experiencing distressing symptoms both physically and emotionally. These are common experiences that I see in my Glasgow therapy clinic. Perhaps you identify with these experiences:

• You’ve turned down promotions because they involve presentations

• Starting to get physical illness symptoms when you are getting ready to meet people or even thinking about it

• Dating feels impossible when you can barely maintain eye contact

• You eat lunch alone to avoid awkward small talk

• Group invitations or social interactions trigger dread, not excitement

• You rehearse ordering coffee, terrified of stumbling over words

• Online is easier, but real-life connections feel impossibly hard

• Hiding in the bathroom while you have a panic episode our for coffee or drinks with people

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people live with social anxiety, but with the right therapy, you can break free from fear and reconnect with others.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder — also called social phobia — is one of the most common anxiety conditions. Social anxiety is one of several anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, which involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday events, and obsessive compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

It often includes:

• Fear of being judged, criticised, or embarrassed

• Avoiding social events, presentations, or group settings

• Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, or a racing heart

• Overthinking conversations long after they’ve ended

• Psychological symptoms such as constant worry, difficulty concentrating, feeling detached, irritability, or feeling out of control

Social anxiety can co-occur with other mental health conditions, and therapy can help address related issues such as low mood, poor sleep, exhaustion, or emotional overwhelm.

Without support, social anxiety can be isolating. But effective social anxiety counselling in Glasgow is available and proven to help.

Why Choose Therapy for Social Anxiety in Glasgow?

We offer therapy for social anxiety in Glasgow, providing targeted support that goes beyond general counselling. Targeted social anxiety therapy Glasgow gives you specific tools to challenge anxious thoughts and practice new behaviours in a safe, structured way.

A range of psychological therapies are available, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapies such as compassion focused therapy and commitment therapy (ACT). These approaches are tailored to each individual client, ensuring treatment plans address your unique needs and concerns.

We are committed to care excellence and health and care excellence, following evidence-based practices and guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Therapy isn’t just about reducing anxiety — it’s about helping you:

• Build meaningful relationships

• Succeed in work and study

• Enjoy social life with confidence

How Social Anxiety Therapy Can Help You

With structured social anxiety counselling in Glasgow, you can:

• Challenge fear of judgement and rejection

• Reduce avoidance behaviours

• Learn coping skills for public speaking and social events

• Reconnect with friends, family, and colleagues

• Gain lasting confidence in social and professional situations

Therapy supports overcoming anxiety by helping you develop practical strategies so your symptoms feel manageable, and you can feel calm and feel relaxed in social situations. With extensive experience supporting clients facing social anxiety, low self esteem, low mood, and self esteem issues, I offer a compassionate and holistic approach.

In addition to social anxiety therapy, I also provide depression counselling service and support for self harm, binge eating, eating disorders, and weight loss, addressing a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges.

What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’re already struggling with social anxiety, health anxiety, or other mental health issues. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that uncertainty and make the process feel more manageable. Therapy is a collaborative journey between you and your therapist, designed to help you understand and manage anxiety, depression, and related concerns in a supportive environment.

In your first session, your therapist will introduce themselves and explain how the therapy process works. This is a chance for you to share your goals, ask questions, and discuss any worries you might have about starting therapy. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key—your therapist will work to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and respected.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for treating social anxiety, generalised anxiety, and depression. During sessions, you’ll work together to identify negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety levels. Your therapist may use techniques like exposure therapy to help you gradually face feared social situations, or mindfulness and relaxation strategies to manage emotional overwhelm and difficulty concentrating.

As you progress, therapy will help you develop practical coping skills for daily life, improve your self esteem, and build confidence in social skills and interactions. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore past experiences that may be influencing your current mental health, and learn new ways to respond to stressful situations.

It’s normal to feel tense, anxious, or even emotionally overwhelmed at times during therapy. With the guidance of an experienced anxiety therapist, you’ll learn how to manage these feelings and work towards positive change. Many clients find that, over time, therapy helps them feel calmer, more in control, and better able to handle the challenges of social situations and daily life.

For added flexibility, many therapists in Glasgow offer online therapy sessions, making it easier to access support from the comfort of your own home. Some also provide group therapy options, which can offer a sense of community and shared understanding. If you’re unsure about where to start, many therapists offer a free consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions.

Taking the first step towards therapy is a sign of strength. With the right support and evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy CBT, you can overcome anxiety, improve your mental health, and move towards a more confident, fulfilling life.