Social anxiety is more than shyness — it is an intense, persistent fear of social situations that can severely limit work, relationships, and quality of life. It is also one of the most treatable anxiety disorders.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne offer evidence-based treatment for social anxiety and social phobia across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is characterised by marked, persistent fear of one or more social situations in which the person is exposed to possible scrutiny by others (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The fear is of acting in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing, or of showing visible anxiety symptoms.
It commonly affects:
Social anxiety may be present when you notice:
Physical:
Cognitive:
Behavioural:
Social anxiety affects approximately 6.8% of Australians and is the third most common mental health condition (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Social anxiety is maintained by a cycle of anticipatory anxiety, self-focused attention, safety behaviours, and post-event processing. Safety behaviours — like avoiding eye contact or over-preparing — provide temporary relief but prevent the disconfirmation of feared outcomes, keeping anxiety entrenched (Clark & Wells, 1995).
Effective treatment breaks this cycle by:
Meta-analyses confirm CBT produces large and durable effects on social anxiety, superior to medication alone (Mayo-Wilson et al., 2014).
Our psychologists use the most effective evidence-based approaches for social anxiety:
The gold standard treatment for social anxiety disorder (Heimberg et al., 2014). CBT includes cognitive restructuring (challenging negative predictions and beliefs about others’ judgements), behavioural experiments, and systematic exposure to feared social situations. Produces large and lasting improvements.
A specific CBT model for social anxiety that targets self-focused attention, safety behaviours, and distorted self-imagery — the key maintaining mechanisms (Clark & Wells, 1995). Includes video feedback and attention retraining. Particularly effective for performance and interaction anxiety.
Helps clients make room for social anxiety without letting it control their behaviour — enabling full participation in social and professional life aligned with their values. Particularly useful for chronic social anxiety and avoidance (Dalrymple & Herbert, 2007).
Graded, systematic exposure to feared social situations — always at a pace agreed with you — allows the nervous system to learn that social situations are not as dangerous as feared. Exposure is evidence-based, structured, and built on your specific fears.
Your psychologist will tailor the approach to your specific social fears and avoidance patterns.
Your first appointment is a thorough assessment of your specific social fears, avoidance patterns, and the impact on your life. We develop a personalised exposure hierarchy together.
Treatment typically involves 12–20 sessions. Sessions include skills development and structured between-session practice.
Telehealth is available — many people with social anxiety find it easier to start treatment online and transition to in-person as confidence builds.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Is social anxiety the same as being shy?
No. Shyness is a personality trait that doesn’t significantly impair functioning. Social anxiety disorder causes marked distress and avoidance that affects work, relationships, and quality of life.
Can social anxiety be cured?
CBT produces significant and lasting improvements in the majority of people. Many people reach a point where social anxiety no longer limits their life. The skills learned in therapy continue to work long after treatment ends.
Do I have to do exposure therapy?
Exposure is the most effective component of social anxiety treatment, but it is always conducted collaboratively and at your own pace. You won’t be pushed into situations before you’re ready — we build a hierarchy together and work through it step by step.
What if I’m too anxious to come to the first appointment?
This is very common. Telehealth is available so your first session can be from home. Many clients start via Telehealth and gradually move to in-clinic as their confidence grows.
Can medication help social anxiety?
SSRIs are sometimes prescribed for social anxiety. Research shows CBT produces superior long-term outcomes compared to medication, and the combination of CBT plus medication is not consistently better than CBT alone. Your GP can discuss medication options if appropriate.
Social anxiety is highly treatable. Our team will help you build the confidence to engage fully in your life.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). National study of mental health and wellbeing, 2020–2022. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). A cognitive model of social phobia. In R. G. Heimberg, M. R. Liebowitz, D. A. Hope, & F. R. Schneier (Eds.), Social phobia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment (pp. 69–93). Guilford Press.
Dalrymple, K. L., & Herbert, J. D. (2007). Acceptance and commitment therapy for generalized social anxiety disorder: A pilot study. Behavior Modification, 31(5), 543–568. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445507302037
Heimberg, R. G., Brozovich, F. A., & Rapee, R. M. (2014). A cognitive behavioral model of social anxiety disorder. In S. G. Hofmann & P. M. DiBartolo (Eds.), Social anxiety: Clinical, developmental, and social perspectives (3rd ed., pp. 231–258). Elsevier.
Mayo-Wilson, E., Dias, S., Mavranezouli, I., Kew, K., Clark, D. M., Ades, A. E., & Pilling, S. (2014). Psychological and pharmacological interventions for social anxiety disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(5), 368–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70329-3
