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Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety: Practical Techniques to Face Your Fears, Overcome Self-Doubt, and Thrive
Embrace confidence—proven strategies to break free from social anxiety
Social connections are an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling life, yet when you’re held back by anxious thoughts and feelings, you often try to avoid social situations. Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety provides you with an effective toolbox to face your fears and empower you to feel comfortable whether you’re just having a conversation, interviewing for a job, or speaking publicly.
Drawing on a variety of practices—like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness—this guide not only teaches you all about social anxiety but also helps you employ actionable techniques to handle it. Learn to calm both body and mind, silence your inner critic, and restructure negative thoughts with practice dialogues, exposure exercises, meditation, and more.
Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety
Exercises for everyone—No matter how your social anxiety manifests, discover powerful ways to overcome it and connect with people in a more fulfilling way. Easy-to-follow advice—Each chapter covers a different approach to dealing with your social anxiety, allowing you to focus on what you feel will be most effective for you. Everyday examples—Realize you aren’t alone with real-life anecdotes that demonstrate how these techniques have helped other people dealing with social anxiety.
Start down the path to a healthier and more satisfying social life with this easy-to-use guide.
Social connections are an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling life, yet when you’re held back by anxious thoughts and feelings, you often try to avoid social situations. Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety provides you with an effective toolbox to face your fears and empower you to feel comfortable whether you’re just having a conversation, interviewing for a job, or speaking publicly.
Drawing on a variety of practices—like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness—this guide not only teaches you all about social anxiety but also helps you employ actionable techniques to handle it. Learn to calm both body and mind, silence your inner critic, and restructure negative thoughts with practice dialogues, exposure exercises, meditation, and more.
Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety
Exercises for everyone—No matter how your social anxiety manifests, discover powerful ways to overcome it and connect with people in a more fulfilling way. Easy-to-follow advice—Each chapter covers a different approach to dealing with your social anxiety, allowing you to focus on what you feel will be most effective for you. Everyday examples—Realize you aren’t alone with real-life anecdotes that demonstrate how these techniques have helped other people dealing with social anxiety.
Start down the path to a healthier and more satisfying social life with this easy-to-use guide.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2020
144 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 29, 2022
The author tries to convince you the reader that the techniques described in this book are backed by research and are proven to work by repeating ad nauseam words like "science", "proven", and "research" over and over again. Psychology has a serious science problem: it is not science-based or evidence-based. It probably shouldn't be called a science at all. That was annoying. Second annoying point and typical for self-help books is the author boasting about all the people they have helped. Third annoying thing was the tendency to make list and make up things.
That said, even though it isn't science, doesn't mean that talking to someone or reading a book (even this one) to get a different perspective, to know you are not alone, to gain some insight, to get some guidelines to try things out one step at the time, ... cannot be helpful. The trick was to get past all the useless text. I did find some useful techniques like journaling, a thought log and to get out there that I combined into one and that I am trying out now. So far, I find it soothing. Feeling generous I gave 3 stars.
That said, even though it isn't science, doesn't mean that talking to someone or reading a book (even this one) to get a different perspective, to know you are not alone, to gain some insight, to get some guidelines to try things out one step at the time, ... cannot be helpful. The trick was to get past all the useless text. I did find some useful techniques like journaling, a thought log and to get out there that I combined into one and that I am trying out now. So far, I find it soothing. Feeling generous I gave 3 stars.
October 12, 2021
This book starts off well in understanding you as a person and leading with this very message, “When you’re socially anxious, it can feel like you’re in the spotlight, with everyone judging you. It’s hard to be yourself when you’re feeling self-conscious, out of place, and afraid of being embarrassed. Friends and family may criticize you for avoiding social events, but it’s natural to want to steer clear of the anxiety that can flood and overwhelm you.” With that in mind, there is no doubt that someone with social anxiety will want to keep reading—I know it did!
Every minute reading was a minute spent well. However, words on page are just that. I think a direct dialogue with a therapist will go great alongside this book—something you will have to seek on your own time. I don’t know if it’s worth it, but I’ll be making an appointment and hope to update this after the fact. Look for an ADDENDUM in the future
Just to highlight the effort on your part, it says, “learning to overcome social anxiety will take more than gaining new insights. As you read these chapters, the real work begins when you complete the exercises and apply the techniques to your life.” There are exercises; some you have to make up with the knowledge gained and that particular technique in the works. After a while of reading you have a working mechanics to how you can make it function for you in the real world. I’ve yet to venture this far as my social anxiety is higher in the scale, but I’m working with writing my thoughts which has helped relax my mind.
For those that think they are just introverted, I’ll tell you that is not the case. If you longed to meet someone and go on a date but couldn’t find the means to approach that person, that is not introversion or nerves. That is fear induced anxiety in the mind and thoughts that you have created. This book is meant for you! Yes, I’m introverted but not shy and that is one key difference in knowing that anxiety it the cause for pain and not moving on with my life. Shyness is fine, there is nothing wrong with it, but usually it doesn’t cause you to stop your life on pause-forever. Anxiety is doing that.
If during the reading of this review you feel some attachment, there is a higher chance you are feeling and going through the same thing I’ve been experiencing for many years. No reason should there ever be to hold your life in the shadows of anxiety. Again, I haven’t overcome this damaging emotion or feeling, but I’m willing to work on it. This book was a great introduction and starter kit for me.
From the very beginning it said to dedicate a notebook to this book. I was, of course, hesitant. Now, I’m going to reread the book with a brand new notebook.
Things will change for the better. I hope it works for you too.
Also recommended is The Happiness Trap (the book and the illustrated version); this one jumps into ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Both CBT and ACT can work together in my opinion.
I highly recommend this book though. I know the reviews aren’t many, but I guess not many people with anxiety have the guts to fix themselves. Hopefully you do!
Every minute reading was a minute spent well. However, words on page are just that. I think a direct dialogue with a therapist will go great alongside this book—something you will have to seek on your own time. I don’t know if it’s worth it, but I’ll be making an appointment and hope to update this after the fact. Look for an ADDENDUM in the future
Just to highlight the effort on your part, it says, “learning to overcome social anxiety will take more than gaining new insights. As you read these chapters, the real work begins when you complete the exercises and apply the techniques to your life.” There are exercises; some you have to make up with the knowledge gained and that particular technique in the works. After a while of reading you have a working mechanics to how you can make it function for you in the real world. I’ve yet to venture this far as my social anxiety is higher in the scale, but I’m working with writing my thoughts which has helped relax my mind.
For those that think they are just introverted, I’ll tell you that is not the case. If you longed to meet someone and go on a date but couldn’t find the means to approach that person, that is not introversion or nerves. That is fear induced anxiety in the mind and thoughts that you have created. This book is meant for you! Yes, I’m introverted but not shy and that is one key difference in knowing that anxiety it the cause for pain and not moving on with my life. Shyness is fine, there is nothing wrong with it, but usually it doesn’t cause you to stop your life on pause-forever. Anxiety is doing that.
If during the reading of this review you feel some attachment, there is a higher chance you are feeling and going through the same thing I’ve been experiencing for many years. No reason should there ever be to hold your life in the shadows of anxiety. Again, I haven’t overcome this damaging emotion or feeling, but I’m willing to work on it. This book was a great introduction and starter kit for me.
From the very beginning it said to dedicate a notebook to this book. I was, of course, hesitant. Now, I’m going to reread the book with a brand new notebook.
Things will change for the better. I hope it works for you too.
Also recommended is The Happiness Trap (the book and the illustrated version); this one jumps into ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Both CBT and ACT can work together in my opinion.
I highly recommend this book though. I know the reviews aren’t many, but I guess not many people with anxiety have the guts to fix themselves. Hopefully you do!
October 21, 2020
Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety is much more than a self-help book for those people uncomfortable with interacting with others at work or other public places. This book by Alison McKleroy delivers on its promise to give us practical techniques to face our fears, overcome self-doubt, and thrive. For many years I taught a course at the university called Managerial Communications. One of the requirements for the course was for students to make four five minute presentations to the large group. Few readers of this review will be surprised to learn that many students were afraid to make the presentations. Jerry Seinfeld makes a joke of this fear when he tells us that “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” I went to the Internet and found that Seinfeld is correct. Study after study list public speaking as one of the worst fears for most people. If I were still teaching this course I would definitely include McKleroy’s inexpensive book as one of the required readings for the course because she effectively provides many strategies for helping people overcome self-doubt so that they can effectively present themselves and their ideas.
In her chapter called Act and Commit, McKleroy takes a page from Alan Lakein’s great time management book, How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, which I highly recommend. McKleroy agrees with Lakein when he says that we must establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, related/relevant, and time framed) goals and then prioritize them using his A/C system. Everything in McKleroy’s book is focused on persuading the reader to take action by “looking at short and long term goals and then taking realistic and concrete steps to achieve them.” Part of her plan is to help her readers achieve their goals is by becoming aware of the Mind/Body connection. She uses techniques readers of this review can find in Bill Douglas’s excellent CD, Anthology of QiGong Relaxation Therapy and Mind Expansion. Both Douglas and McKleroy recommend mindful breath meditation as we become aware of tension stored in our body and systematically move from head to toe to remove this tension. I experimented with the mindful breath exercise included in McKleroy’s book and found it works just as advertised.
Later in her book McKleroy reminds us to be grateful for what we have and she suggests we keep a gratitude journal. I decided to add gratitude to the journal I already keep and agree with McKleroy that focusing on the good that surrounds us fosters a positive mental attitude that dispels anxiety and worry. She tells us to select a gratitude rock and put it in our pocket or purse to “bring attention to one thing you are grateful for at that moment.” I am now looking at the gratitude rock I have placed in front of me on my desk and I have also selected one for my pocket.
Readers of this review have certainly gotten the idea by now that Alison McKleroy’s book is loaded with good ideas to help us build confidence in ourselves. Her book is exceptionally well-written, clear, and concise. Additionally, she gives us many case studies taken from her practice as a therapist that I found both interesting and helpful. As mentioned earlier, I would not hesitate to add this book to my reading list for communication courses I teach at the university. Highest recommendation!
In her chapter called Act and Commit, McKleroy takes a page from Alan Lakein’s great time management book, How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, which I highly recommend. McKleroy agrees with Lakein when he says that we must establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, related/relevant, and time framed) goals and then prioritize them using his A/C system. Everything in McKleroy’s book is focused on persuading the reader to take action by “looking at short and long term goals and then taking realistic and concrete steps to achieve them.” Part of her plan is to help her readers achieve their goals is by becoming aware of the Mind/Body connection. She uses techniques readers of this review can find in Bill Douglas’s excellent CD, Anthology of QiGong Relaxation Therapy and Mind Expansion. Both Douglas and McKleroy recommend mindful breath meditation as we become aware of tension stored in our body and systematically move from head to toe to remove this tension. I experimented with the mindful breath exercise included in McKleroy’s book and found it works just as advertised.
Later in her book McKleroy reminds us to be grateful for what we have and she suggests we keep a gratitude journal. I decided to add gratitude to the journal I already keep and agree with McKleroy that focusing on the good that surrounds us fosters a positive mental attitude that dispels anxiety and worry. She tells us to select a gratitude rock and put it in our pocket or purse to “bring attention to one thing you are grateful for at that moment.” I am now looking at the gratitude rock I have placed in front of me on my desk and I have also selected one for my pocket.
Readers of this review have certainly gotten the idea by now that Alison McKleroy’s book is loaded with good ideas to help us build confidence in ourselves. Her book is exceptionally well-written, clear, and concise. Additionally, she gives us many case studies taken from her practice as a therapist that I found both interesting and helpful. As mentioned earlier, I would not hesitate to add this book to my reading list for communication courses I teach at the university. Highest recommendation!
December 11, 2023
Where “How to be Yourself” succeeds as a literary guide to understanding and overcoming social anxiety, this book is a lean, precise manual for it. While there is emphasis on the activities in it, it’s also informative in a hyper-specific and surgical way, providing the reader with a substantial toolbox for combating social anxiety through a variety of scenarios and approaches. At just under 150 pages, it’s perfect for those actively battling social anxiety. Read over it, tab it, and keep it in your bag to pull out whenever things get tough.
March 4, 2023
As someone who suffers from anxiety and social anxiety this was an interesting book to read. This author is a therapist who has written about tools that have helped clients in the past . Tools help the reader take baby steps towards becoming more confident in whatever situation causes them anxiety. Appreciated that the author was honest in saying that it won't work right away, that it takes effort and the reader might actually need to see a therapist in person to help overcome their anxiety.
May 23, 2023
I think this book delivers what it sets out to deliver. There's no substitute for therapy, if that's what you need, but this is a good primer on techniques to try and is a good starting point or step in the right direction.
July 16, 2022
Really helpful book with strategies to overcome social anxiety. Now to put it into practice!
January 3, 2021
This book does a very good job laying out the symptoms and challenges of having social anxiety. There are a variety of different types of therapies to try as well as clearly thought out activities to help someone with social anxiety.
I recommend working through the book and gauging where you are in your social anxiety struggles. For instance, there’s a section on asking strangers for things, which I would NEVER do, but I understand it’s to have you be comfortable with rejection. An easier way for me would be to ask friends for things. They are less likely to reject me, but I’m not comfortable asking even people I know for help, so starting smaller would work better for me.
The author has put their experience as a marriage and family therapist into this book and it shows. It’s clearly workable activities will be so useful to those of us who struggle with social anxiety.
***I received this book at a discounted price for my unbiased review.***
I recommend working through the book and gauging where you are in your social anxiety struggles. For instance, there’s a section on asking strangers for things, which I would NEVER do, but I understand it’s to have you be comfortable with rejection. An easier way for me would be to ask friends for things. They are less likely to reject me, but I’m not comfortable asking even people I know for help, so starting smaller would work better for me.
The author has put their experience as a marriage and family therapist into this book and it shows. It’s clearly workable activities will be so useful to those of us who struggle with social anxiety.
***I received this book at a discounted price for my unbiased review.***
January 8, 2021
Essential Strategies... backed by research and proven techniques, this book provides suggestions on what to do in various situations to cope with stress and anxiety. I enjoyed the exercises and seeing that other people experience very similar situations and emotions to me.
March 23, 2021
A good resource!
January 12, 2022
Awesome and Helpful
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews