Social Anxiety Therapy in
Oradell, NJ
Do You Feel Nervous, Self-Conscious, or Afraid of Being Judged?
- Do you replay conversations fearing you said something wrong?
- Do you dread having to talk infront of people?
- Have you ever cancelled plans to a party because you were too nervous to go?
- Do you feel to your stomach when you know you have to interact with someone you are not comfortale with?
- Are these symptoms interfering with your daily functioning?
If you struggle with social anxiety, everyday interactions may feel overwhelming. You might worry excessively about being judged, embarrassed, or not knowing what to say. Even simple situations like making small talk, meeting new people, ordering food, speaking up at work, or school or answering a question in a group can leave you tense, shaky, or mentally rehearsing every word.
Maybe you avoid social situations altogether: turning down invitations, staying quiet in meetings, or withdrawing from opportunities you genuinely want. Or perhaps you push through but spend the entire time feeling panicked inside, analyzing every gesture or expression from others.
Social anxiety can affect so many parts of life: school, career growth, friendships, dating, family relationships, and your overall sense of confidence. You may wonder why these situations feel so hard when they seem easy for everyone else, or why your mind constantly jumps to the worst-case scenario.
But social anxiety is treatable, and you absolutely can learn to feel more grounded, confident, and comfortable around others.
I provide social anxiety counseling both in-person at my Bergen County area office or virtually!
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Social Anxiety Is More Common Than You Think. Healing Starts With One Step
Social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations. People with social anxiety often feel a deep worry about how others see them, leading to physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, or a sudden urge to escape the situation. Even everyday interactions—answering a question, meeting new people, speaking in a group, or being the center of attention—can feel overwhelming or impossible.
At its core, social anxiety isn’t about being shy; it’s about carrying a constant fear of negative evaluation. This fear can hold someone back from forming connections, pursuing opportunities, or feeling comfortable in their own skin. The good news is that social anxiety is highly treatable. With the right support, tools, and guidance, people can build confidence, reduce fear, and learn to navigate social situations with greater ease and self-trust.
Some symptoms of social anxiety include:
Fear of speaking in groups or meeting new people
Avoidance of social events or being the center of attention
Intense self-consciousness or fear of saying the “wrong thing”
Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, or racing heart
Replaying social interactions over and over afterward
Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders. In the United States:
About 7.1% of adults had social anxiety disorder in the past 12 months. National Institute of Mental Health
Approximately 12.1% of adults will experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives (lifetime prevalence). National Institute of Mental Health
At Anew Counseling Services, I use evidence-based techniques that are the best known to help get your social anxiety under control.
Anxiety Can Be Overcome: Proven Strategies for Real Change
Exposure Based Strategies
One of the main ways to get over a fear social situation is to face the feared social situation. Exposure work can feel scary for some, but I promise you that it won’t be. We will create a list of social situations that create anxiety for you. Then we rank them from least scary to most scary and then we begin creating goals to get you to practice facing your fears.
With exposure work, consistency is key. It is something that needs to be practiced regularly. And during the entire time you will be supported by me and I will make sure we move at your pace.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify unhelpful thoughts and beliefs and replace them with more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. You also learn behavior strategies that reinforce healthier patterns.
CBT teaches you to challenge distorted beliefs. For example, like overestimating danger or feeling overly responsible. As thoughts shift, compulsive behaviors often decrease because they feel less necessary.
CBT strengthens your ability to understand and change the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This gives you tools to manage OCD long-term.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT teaches you to notice and accept intrusive thoughts and feelings without fighting them. Instead of trying to eliminate discomfort, you learn to make room for it and choose actions aligned with your values.
ACT reduces the struggle with intrusive thoughts by helping you see them as mental events opposed to threats. This lowers the urge to perform compulsions and increases flexibility in how you respond.
ACT helps you build a life guided by personal values rather than fear or avoidance. As your focus shifts toward meaningful action, OCD has less influence over your daily choices.
All of these modalities are known to help people who suffer from social anxiety. In therapy, I blend all of three of these together throughout your journey to help you overcome your symptoms of social anxiety and help you to live a calmer life with more clarity.
How Social Anxiety Therapy at Anew Counseling Services Can Help
What You Can Expect in Sessions
In our first session we will go over your entire history so I can get a full picture of you and your life. Then we will dive into your social anxiety and talk about how it makes you feel, what situations you fear the most, and how it is impacting your life. I will then create a treatment plan tailored for you and begin working on your goals together.
Together we will:
- Identify the specific triggers that activate your anxiety
- Explore the thoughts and beliefs that increase your fear (“What if I embarrass myself?” “What if they judge me?”)
- Learn grounding and calming techniques for moments of panic
- Practice real-world social skills in a structured, supportive way
- Build confidence in speaking, expressing yourself, and taking interpersonal risks
- Reduce avoidance behaviors that keep anxiety strong
- Strengthen self-worth, assertiveness, and emotional resilience
Why This Approach Works
Social anxiety is maintained by two main factors:
- Avoidance, which prevents you from learning that social situations are safer than they feel.
- Self-critical thinking, which magnifies the fear of judgment.
Therapy helps you change both patterns. As you begin practicing new skills, your brain learns that feared situations aren’t dangerous and you gain confidence from experience rather than fear. Over time, interactions feel easier, more natural, and less emotionally draining.
Why Anew Counseling Services for Social Anxiety Therapy?
I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with social anxiety, perfectionism, fear of judgment, and performance anxiety. I understand how much this can limit you and how many opportunities you may miss or have already missed because you were too scared to speak up or advocate for yourself. My approach is warm, supportive, and structured. I’ve seen clients grow from feeling terrified of speaking up to feeling confident and connected in their relationships, workplaces, and communities. With the right tools and support, you can make meaningful progress.
Common Questions About Anxiety Therapy
What if I feel embarrassed talking about my fears?
Many clients worry about this, and it’s completely understandable. But therapy is a safe, confidential space where you don’t have to pretend. My role is to help you understand your experiences without judgment so you can feel more free and empowered.
Will exposure therapy force me to do things I’m not ready for?
No. You will never be forced to do anything you do not want to. Exposure is always gentle and collaborative. You are in control of the pace, and we design each step together. We will never rush into overwhelming situations. The goal is to build confidence gradually, not to push you beyond your limits.
If I have been anxious my whole life in social situations, how can it get fixed now?
Social anxiety often begins early, but therapy is effective no matter when symptoms started. The brain is highly adaptable, and learning new skills can help you break old patterns and create more fulfilling relationships and opportunities.
Let's Work Together to Build More Confidence
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Social Anxiety Therapy Oradell, NJ
617 Oradell Ave, Oradell, NJ 07649