CBT for Social Anxiety: Simple Skills for Overcoming Fear and Enjoying People

by Stefan G. Hofmann, Robert L. Leahy (Foreword)

Don’t let social anxiety rule your life! Overcome your fears using proven-effective skills grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Do you avoid social situations? Do you dread public speaking? Would you rather stay in a job you hate than go through the interview process?  If so, you may have social anxiety—and you aren’t alone. People who struggle with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of social situations. And as a result, could end up missing out on life’s opportunities—such as getting their dream job, meeting new friends, or finding the perfect mate. If you’re tired of social anxiety holding you back, this book can help. In CBT for Social Anxiety , you’ll learn how to conquer your fears using research-proven skills from one of the world’s leading CBT experts. In addition to overcoming avoidance of social situations through understanding how your social anxiety works, you’ll also learn how to engage in “social mishap exposures”—humorous social scenarios that you practice on your own terms, as you learn to see how well you’re able to cope with your anxiety in the moment. As you gradually realize that your worst fears are unfounded, you’ll gain the self-confidence needed to start really enjoying social interactions. Avoidance may lessen your social anxiety in the short-term, but it can actually make anxiety worse in the long run. Using the skills outlined in this book, you’ll learn how to face your social anxiety head on—so you can get on with your life.

Genres: Mental Health, Self Help, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann is a professor in the clinical program, where he directs the Psychotherapy and Emotion Research Laboratory at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. His main research questions include the following:

Why are psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, effective for anxiety disorders? What is the mechanism of treatment change, and what are the active ingredients? How can these treatments be improved further?
How can we translate knowledge from basic neuroscience into clinical techniques to enhance therapies for anxiety disorders?
What are the culture-specific expressions of mental disorders, and how can psychological treatments be made more culturally sensitive in order to enhance their efficacy, dissemination, and acceptability?
What are the effects of emotion regulation strategies on anxiety and subjective well-being?
What is the psychopathology of Social Anxiety Disorder? Are there any meaningful subgroups?
His research focuses on the mechanism of treatment change, translating discoveries from neuroscience into clinical applications, emotions, and cultural expressions of psychopathology. He is former president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy. He is also editor in chief of Cognitive Therapy and Research and is Associate Editor of Clinical Psychological Science. For his most recent books see https://www.amazon.com/Stefan-Hofmann...

Website
http://www.bostonanxiety.org/

http://www.gatestudy.org/home.html

Interests
Social Anxiety Disorder
Psychophysiology of Emotion
Translational Research

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a book that used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for treating depression, I was curios about this book on CBT for social anxiety.

This book dealt a lot with fear of public speaking. I have always thought of social anxiety as the reason I’m afraid to use the phone and get nervous before parties. So, the public speaking sections didn’t really “speak” to me.

The other topics though, like eliminating negative self talk, were very helpful. I think a lot of people could benefit from those lessons.

Some of the exercises on facing your fears I found troubling. Standing on a street corner singing or approaching random people in a restaurant are not things I’d ever be able to do. I’m not sure annoying people in restaurants would be a positive experience for anyone.

Anyway, this book was helpful and easy to read. I love when self help books have lots of quizzes & concrete action plans. So have a pencil ready when you grab this book!

[Urangoo Enkhtuvshin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some parts of the book that I find useful like his whole flowchart visual of anxiety cycle and the 4 questions of correcting your thinking error. I liked how he pointed out that no matter what your initiating factors of your anxiety are, it's the maintaining factors that make anxiety chronic.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Introduction:
"CBT for Social Anxiety" is a beacon of hope for individuals who grapple with the paralyzing grip of social anxiety. Written by esteemed authors Robert L. Leahy and Stefan G. Hofmann, this book offers a lifeline to those navigating the treacherous waters of social interactions. Whether you're an introvert seeking to emerge from your shell or someone who dreads public speaking, this book provides practical tools to transform your experience.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Social Anxiety:
Leahy and Hofmann delve into the heart of social anxiety, unraveling its intricate threads. They demystify the fear of judgment, the sweaty palms, and the racing heart. Through relatable anecdotes and scientific insights, they illuminate the path toward understanding and acceptance.

Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques:
The authors equip readers with a toolbox of evidence-based techniques. From cognitive restructuring to exposure therapy, they guide you step-by-step. The beauty lies in their simplicity—these skills are accessible even to those new to therapy.

Challenging Negative Thoughts:
"CBT for Social Anxiety" teaches us to challenge our inner critic. The book provides practical exercises to identify distorted thoughts and replace them with empowering beliefs. Suddenly, that crowded room doesn't seem so daunting.

Gradual Exposure:
Fear thrives in the shadows. Leahy and Hofmann encourage gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. Their approach is compassionate; they recognize that progress is nonlinear. Whether it's attending a party or giving a presentation, the book gently nudges you forward.

Self-Compassion and Confidence:
The authors emphasize self-compassion. You'll learn to befriend your anxiety rather than fight it. As you build confidence, social situations become opportunities for growth. The book's exercises foster self-awareness and resilience.

Why You Should Read It:

- Practical Wisdom: "CBT for Social Anxiety" isn't just theory—it's a roadmap. The authors hold your hand as you navigate social landscapes.

- Empathy: Leahy and Hofmann understand the nuances of anxiety. Their empathy shines through every page.

- Hope: If social anxiety has held you captive, this book offers hope. It whispers, "You're not alone, and change is possible."

Final Thoughts:

"CBT for Social Anxiety" is more than a book; it's a lifeline. Whether you read it cover to cover or dip into specific chapters, you'll find solace and actionable steps. Leahy and Hofmann's compassionate approach invites you to rewrite your social narrative. So, dear reader, take a deep breath, turn the page, and embark on a journey toward confidence and connection. 🌟

[Riley K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let social anxiety rule your life! Overcome your fears using proven-effective skills grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Do you avoid social situations? Do you dread public speaking? Would you rather stay in a job you hate than go through the interview process? If so, you may have social anxiety—and you aren’t alone. People who struggle with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of social situations. And as a result, could end up missing out on life’s opportunities—such as getting their dream job, meeting new friends, or finding the perfect mate. If you’re tired of social anxiety holding you back, this book can help. In CBT for Social Anxiety , you’ll learn how to conquer your fears using research-proven skills from one of the world’s leading CBT experts. In addition to overcoming avoidance of social situations through understanding how your social anxiety works, you’ll also learn how to engage in “social mishap exposures”—humorous social scenarios that you practice on your own terms, as you learn to see how well you’re able to cope with your anxiety in the moment. As you gradually realize that your worst fears are unfounded, you’ll gain the self-confidence needed to start really enjoying social interactions. Avoidance may lessen your social anxiety in the short-term, but it can actually make anxiety worse in the long run. Using the skills outlined in this book, you’ll learn how to face your social anxiety head on—so you can get on with your life.

This book gave me the swift kick in the behind that I needed. I suffer terribly from social anxiety. I am not saying I am cured but this did give great tips and survival methods.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 *****

This seems to me an excellent starting point (and for some, enough in itself) for anyone looking for actionable tools to reduce their social anxiety.

This was much faster reading than most self-help books I’ve read. It was well organized and tightly focused. Its clearly defined scope and very clear outline in the introduction made it easy to retain and link the information as presented. (For me, very often, 300+ pages of dense academic / technical / medical terminology and structure means I read these things about 30 pages at a time. This little volume, conversely, clearly defined and very well organized, was consumed in just two reading sessions.)

The information presented is relevant, clear, and actionable. Honestly, I felt better just reading it, because it made the problem seem approachable, rather than overwhelming and inevitable. And because some suggestions prompted the proverbial headslap when I thought, “Of course!”

I particularly appreciated the reminders to challenge our own assumptions, and reframe what we perceive as our choices, or our standards against which we assess our performance.

My thanks to NetGalley for a free preview copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Erik Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In CBT for Social Anxiety, Stefan C. Hofmann presents a persuasive and practical approach to overcoming social anxiety, centered around the idea that avoidance is the real issue, rather than anxiety itself. Hofmann argues that the more you avoid social situations, the worse your anxiety becomes. His solution may sound counterintuitive at first: face the discomfort by doing things you would typically avoid. As you engage more with others, you build practice, and with practice comes a better ability to handle social interactions, which gradually reduces the anxiety.

Hofmann’s insights create a positive feedback loop—by saying yes to social opportunities instead of retreating, you not only reduce your anxiety but also find that your desire to connect with others grows. Over time, socializing becomes easier, and the anxiety starts to fade. This shift from a negative avoidance cycle to a constructive practice cycle is simple but powerful, and it makes CBT for Social Anxiety a valuable guide for anyone struggling with severe social anxiety.

[Laura Kirazian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than amazing. I have been asked before, "What book changed your life?" I thought it was silly, because I couldn't think of a life-changing book, really. However, this book has given me an answer to that question. I thought to myself, "Oh, another self-help book. Whatever." But the advice for stopping anxiety could have changed the last 53 years of my life. After being diagnosed with "stress" at the age of 5, this is the first thing that has actually worked. I had been having an anxiety attack since noon, and at around midnight, decided to stay up reading this book until it went away. I got halfway through the book and after 17.5 hours, realized that by "facing my fears" and not practicing "avoidance behaviors," I made it go away all on my own! This book was a freaking miracle to me and I have been able to continue maintaining a good mood and stopping anxiety before it takes hold. I am asking anyone with anxiety to read the first 80 pages or so to change your lives as well! Peace, friends, and good mental health! XOXO

[Shellie Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be informative and possibly helpful in dealing with my social anxiety. I have not yet tried some of the exercises that are recommended, and I know that I will not try them all. But as with any self-help type of book, one size does not fit all. This will be helpful to others, and not helpful at all for some. I found it to be so-so. The section on negative self-talk and such was incredibly helpful to me. The section about public speaking was not due to the fact that I am never in a place to deal with public speaking. However, life is ever-changing and maybe some day I will, in which case I will happily refer back to this source.

I think it's worth the read for anyone dealing with social anxiety.

[wonderfullyweird88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a clear guide to help in managing social anxiety. There is an emphasis on exposure therapy, where you push yourself to face the fear you have been avoiding. The more you avoid something the bigger the fear grows, by putting yourself into uncomfortable situations like public speaking, the fear lessens as you start to realise its not as scary as you thought.
This is a helpful guide for someone struggling with mild social anxiety but exposure can be difficult to do on your own.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[ais · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read CBT for Social Anxiety. I found this book to be insightful in the sense of bringing self-awareness to habits and tendencies we tend to have as we walk the world with a certain degree of social anxiety. However, I did find it boring to get through some of the material and found it a bit repetitive throughout the chapters. Ultimately, it was not groundbreaking information/coping strategies.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I read this book as if it were homework from the therapist. I must say, it was a nice refresher on all things CBT with anxiety. I think it's a great way to introduce people to the concept and work through the exercises. I would recommend this book to anyone with social anxiety.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too technical in places for the everyday individual. Otherwise a solid book with actionable exercises. Actions are good for many types of anxiety.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very straightforward and helpful. Very practical in its suggestions.

[Rachel Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some decent advice in here. It did feel a little repetitive at times but overall a good read. I would recommend it to someone else with a similar struggle.