Help for Social Anxiety
Dealing with social anxiety can be exhausting. Constantly worrying that we may act in embarrassing or humiliating ways in social situations or display symptoms of anxiety in front of other people can be very painful and distressing. The fear and shame of potentially making a mistake or looking foolish in public that might lead to others thinking poorly of us is never far away.
As we do our best to cope with social anxiety we may encounter a number of symptoms. We may experience shortness of breath, a racing heart, muscle tension, blushing or nausea. We may think that we're stupid, boring, or a waste of space and tell ourselves that everyone can recognise just how anxious we really are. In response to these painful thoughts and feelings we may do whatever we can to avoid the social situations we believe are causing our distress.
Maybe you struggle to cope with social anxiety in one or more areas in your life. Perhaps you find it difficult to speak in front of others at work or are reluctant to attend a party for fear of having to make small talk? Maybe you dread eating in public with friends or do you avoid trying to get to know someone because they might discover the real you?
The pain and suffering social anxiety can cause and the effort required to endure it can prevent us from participating fully in life. Dating, relationships, education and job opportunities, careers, travel plans or any number of our treasured hopes and dreams may go unfilled.
What significant opportunities have you missed out on? What has social anxiety stolen from your life?
How can counselling help me?
Counselling is a safe space where you can examine your fears in a helpful way while learning how to use effective coping strategies in a confidential and non-judgemental environment.
With the aid of CBT, a type of practical therapy, counselling can help you to identify the causes of your social anxiety while disrupting the cycle that maintains it at the same time.
Together CBT and counselling target the three main areas of social anxiety: physical symptoms, thoughts and behaviours helping you to overcome your fears and re-engage with life.
Why choose me as your counsellor?
Having personally experienced and learned to manage social anxiety, also with the help of counselling and CBT, I can draw upon my experiences for your benefit. I believe I am in a position not only to appreciate the practical and emotional effort required to get your social anxiety under control but also the challenges you my encounter along the way.
To help facilitate this process I work in a straight forward, flexible and down to earth manner. I'm not here to judge you or encourage you to do anything we haven't explored or prepared for well in advance. Together, we participate in finding the particular combination of social anxiety interventions that work for you.
The following is what you can expect if you choose to work with me:
1 Hour Consultation €30: You can give counselling a try without breaking the bank. If you decide to continue, regular appointments are €60
Saturday Appointments: If you're too busy to attend during the week, Saturday sessions are available
Credit Cards/Debit Cards Accepted: You can pay by card if it's more convenient
60 Minute Sessions: Each appointment lasts 1 hour.
Telephone Counselling Option: Telephone counselling is available (including evening appointments) after a number of face to face appointments have taken place
Convenient City Centre Location: 7 Upper Fitzwilliam St, Dublin 2
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy - PCI College Dublin & Middlesex University, London
Return your initial call or email within 24 Hours
How to get in touch
If you have any questions or if you would like to arrange an appointment, please use the Contact Details below.
Niall Connolly Counselling
Tel: 087-1042185
info@niallconnollycounselling.com
My practice is located on the premises of Aria Therapy, 7 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2
It can take a lot of courage to decide to stand up to social anxiety and reclaim your life. You've taken the first step. Now take the next...