Social Anxiety or Social Phobia

By far the most common condition that I am asked to treat at my hypnosis and hypnotherapy clinic in Basingstoke, is 'social anxiety', sometimes known as 'social phobia. (The Basingstoke clinic covers Reading, Odiham, Winchester and surrounding villages)

Social Anxiety or Social phobia is a very common problem where people fear situations where they feel judged, embarrassed, humiliated or on the spot. Common symptoms of social anxiety include blushing, stammering, shaking or trembling, shyness, a fear of speaking in public, a fear of being the centre of attention.

There may also be a fear of confrontation, anger or a fear of authority figures. People with social anxiety often take great care over their appearance, making sure they always look presentable.

Some of the more common symptoms of social anxiety are:

- Fear of public speaking, or 'being on the spot'
- Dislike or difficulty in talking on the telephone
- Being afraid, or nervous around authority figures
- Anxiety about going out to parties and other social situations
- Sexual shyness or inhibitions
- Insecurity in relationships, paranoia in relationships
- Trembling or shaking when being watched by other people
- 'performance anxiety' - nerves during exams, tests and presentations
- Lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem
- excessive worry over appearance , size, shape or weight

- Blushing (erythrophobia)
As blushing is so visible to others it can be extremely limiting for the sufferer and cause them to avoid situations where people may be looking or staring at them. Large amounts of mental energy may be used up anticipating and avoiding situations which trigger blushing and in trying to manage and control the symptoms. Some sufferers even consider or undergo surgery to control blushing.

- Stuttering and Stammering
Stammering or stuttering is commonly treated by using relaxation and breathing techniques. With time and effort the sufferer can learn to manage and control their problem, rather than to finding and releasing the root cause of the anxiety or feelings which trigger stammering.

- Shyness
Shyness is also a common symptom of social anxiety, being a reluctance to be the centre of attention, to say or do anything silly or stupid to embarrass yourself. There is often also a fear of being rejected, disliked or confronted.

- Guilty Feelings, Guilt complex
Inappropriate guilty feelings can cause a person to be plagued with negative self -talk or negative thinking. Sufferers can find themselves apologizing even when they know they are in the right. They may fear others’ judgment or anger and may become deeply upset by unkind comments from others.

- Shy Bladder (sometimes known as 'stage fright' or 'paruresis')
This is an inability to pee (urinate) in front of other people. If you have shy bladder you may find it difficult (or immpossible) to urinate in front of other people because you feel so 'on the spot'. You may have to wait for a free cubicle in the gents (men only!), or avoid public toilets all together... Recent research shows that over 4million men in the UK suffer from shy bladder

So, what is the most effective treatment for social anxiety/social phobia?

This phobia, just like any other phobia, is caused by bottled-up emotions that rush to the surface whenever you get yourself in a certain situation.

The very best treatment available (quickest and most long-lasting) is 'pure hypnoanalysis' - as taught by the IAH. Helen practices this unique therapy, at the Basingstoke Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy clinic.

'Pure Hypnoanalysis', is a rapid, empowering and natural therapy, that we use to help you find and release the original trapped emotions causing these uncomfortable feelings, giving you a complete and lasting release: once these emotions are released (by talking them through) they are resolved and gone for good.

The only way to truly CURE a phobia is to release the bottled up emotions that are causing it. Contact Helen now, on 077654 01931

For more info on hypnosis, hypnotherapy and 'pure hypnoanalysis', click here

Basingstoke Hypnotherapy Practice, part of The Beggarwood Doctors Surgery.
Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy and Hypnoanalysis with Helen McElroy Miah, Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy. This page is about social phobia and social anxiety: shy bladder, shyness, stuttering and stammering, blushing, guilty feelings, feelings of being 'on the spot', and performance anxiety.

The Basingstoke clinic covers Reading, Winchester, Odiham and surrounding vilages as well.