Social anxiety disorder goes beyond shyness. It’s a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings, even when there’s no real threat.
It can hold you back from speaking up, showing up, or simply being yourself.
At J&R Psychology, we provide tailored therapy to help you build social confidence, reduce avoidance, and feel more at ease in daily interactions.
Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, involves intense fear in social or performance situations, often leading to avoidance, distress, or withdrawal in everyday interactions.
It’s more than being nervous. It’s a deep, overwhelming sense of fear that others are watching, judging, or waiting for you to slip up.
“It’s not that you don’t want to connect, it’s that your mind won’t let you feel safe enough to try.”
You may be experiencing social anxiety if you:
Yes, many people with ADHD experience social anxiety, particularly if they’ve struggled with focus, impulsivity, or emotional regulation in public or group settings. Over time, these challenges can lead to fear of judgement, rejection, or “getting it wrong,” which can fuel social avoidance.
At J&R Psychology, our team understands how ADHD and social anxiety often overlap, and we tailor your treatment to support both.
Often called “stage fright,” performance anxiety occurs when you’re expected to speak, present, compete, or be evaluated in front of others.
Common performance anxiety triggers include:
Our team helps you manage the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, so you can perform with calm, focus, and confidence, without being overwhelmed by fear.
We use evidence-based therapies that support you in managing anxiety and building confidence in social situations:
Supports you in becoming less entangled with anxious thoughts while aligning your behaviour with your values.
Used gently and collaboratively, this involves gradually engaging in feared situations so you can rebuild confidence and reduce avoidance.
When social anxiety overlaps with ADHD, we integrate strategies to manage both, focusing on emotion regulation, communication, and self-esteem.
Social anxiety can be isolating, but you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to define your relationships, choices, or future. With the right support, it’s possible to build calm, clarity, and social confidence, one step at a time.
If social situations trigger intense fear, avoidance, or distress. and it’s affecting your daily life, it may be social anxiety disorder. A psychologist can help you assess this.
Shyness is occasional and mild. Social anxiety is persistent and can interfere with work, school, and relationships.
Yes. CBT and ACT are proven to reduce social anxiety. Many people see real improvements in confidence and daily functioning.
ADHD can lead to social challenges that cause anxiety over time. We offer ADHD-informed treatment that addresses both together.
You’ll work with a psychologist to understand your anxiety, shift unhelpful thinking, and gradually face feared situations with support.
