The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook : Proven, Step-by-Step Techniques for Overcoming Your Fear

There's nothing wrong with being shy. But if social anxiety keeps you from forming relationships with others, advancing in your education or your career, or carrying on with everyday activities, you may need to confront your fears to live an enjoyable, satisfying life. This new edition of The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook offers a comprehensive program to help you do just that. As you complete the activities in this workbook, you'll learn to: •Find your strengths and weaknesses with a self-evaluation •Explore and examine your fears •Create a personalized plan for change •Put your plan into action through gentle and gradual exposure to social situations Information about therapy, medications, and other resources is also included. After completing this program, you'll be well-equipped to make connections with the people around you. Soon, you'll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of being actively involved in the social world. This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives. "There's nothing wrong with being shy. But if social anxiety keeps you from forming relationships with others, advancing in your education or your career, or carrying on with everyday activities, you may need to confront your fears to live an enjoyable, satisfying life. This new edition of The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook offers a comprehensive program to help you do just that. As you complete the activities in this workbook, you'll learn to: find your strengths and weaknesses with a self-evaluation; explore and examine your fears; create a personalized plan for change; put your plan into action through gentle and gradual exposure to social situations. Information about therapy, medications, and other resources is also included. After completing this program, you'll be well-equipped to make connections with the people around you. Soon, you'll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of being actively involved in the social world."--Publisher description Contents 6 Acknowledgments 8 Introduction 10 Understanding Your Social Anxiety 12 Shyness and Social Anxiety 14 Why Do You Have These Fears? 38 Getting to Know Your Social Anxiety 48 Making a Plan for Change 72 Medications for Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder 100 Changing Your Anxious Thoughts and Expectations 114 Confronting Your Fears Through Exposure 150 Exposure to Social Situations 172 Exposure to Uncomfortable Sensations 198 Communicating More Effectively 210 Maintaining Your Improvements and Planning for the Future 240 Recommended Readings 246 National and International Associations Providing Referrals 252 Internet Resources 256 References 258 This new edition of The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook offers a comprehensive program to help shy people confront their fears and become actively involved in the social world. The activities in this workbook help readers find their strengths and weaknesses, explore and examine their fears, and create personalized plans for change.