About social anxiety and phobia
On this page you can explore therapist profiles focused on social anxiety and phobia, including details about their approaches, languages, and clinical focus. Browse the listings below to find professionals whose methods and background match what you want to try.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether social anxiety and phobia is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has social anxiety and phobia among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for social anxiety and phobia
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingHillary Gonzalez, LCSW
Ref 214393
Person-centered social worker focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingCarmen Chaney, LIMHP
Ref 48397
Therapist blending practical skills and compassion
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJoy Nussen, LMFT
Ref 13668
Practical, compassionate therapy for adults
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngelina Jennings, AASW
Ref 323967
Experienced social worker helping with anxiety and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingCindy Singh, LCSW
Ref 307805
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingHeidi-Christa Adams, LPC
Ref 355066
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingDallas Bentley, ACA
Ref 345691
Practical support for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJoanne Maddison, BACP
Ref 276861
Compassionate counsellor blending insight and practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJames French, BACP
Ref 203032
Practical support for anxiety and life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW
Ref 29756
Compassionate clinical social worker with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingTomasz Konieczny, BACP, NCPS
Ref 199992
Practical, compassionate online counselling
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English, Polish
View listingSimon Nelson, BACP
Ref 281876
Calm, straightforward support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingMargaret Johnston, LMHC
Ref 62092
Calm listening that helps you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingClement West, BACP
Ref 167549
Gentle, practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingChristina Rodriguez, LPC
Ref 286005
Helping people build calm and stronger self-worth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingRichard Gordon-Smith , NCPS
Ref 120083
Straightforward, experienced counsellor for complex issues
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDanielle Horn, LMSW
Ref 272733
Focused therapy that digs to the root
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJemma Heath, NCPS
Ref 197911
Support for stress, relationships and confidence
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingKizzie Wells-Daniels, LPC
Ref 67515
Therapist for stress, parenting, and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Anger Languages: English
View listingRebecca "Becca" Mather, BACP
Ref 236007
Compassionate, practical support for life’s pressures
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Heather Clark, LPC
Ref 126027
Calm-focused therapy with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJennifer Lee Sylvester, LCSW
Ref 116075
Experienced LCSW offering respectful, practical care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSara Lowe, LPC
Ref 104527
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingJulie Peterson, LCSW
Ref 315653
Compassionate, practical support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMichael Pfisterer, LCSW
Ref 6636
Practical goal-focused therapy
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingAlexandra Matustik, LMFT
Ref 350108
Compassionate therapist for life transitions
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingFaryal Choudry, LCSW
Ref 266995
Compassionate guidance for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSherry Ramsey Hansen, LPC
Ref 352558
Collaborative counselor focused on practical progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJade Round, BACP
Ref 180505
Practical, person-focused therapy for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingGayden Mcfarlin Fite, LPC-MHSP
Ref 273754
Calm, experienced guide for anxiety and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAdrian Jackson, BACP
Ref 271038
Compassionate counsellor using practical, person-focused methods
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSarah Anderson, NCPS
Ref 133882
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMichele Ellis, LCSW
Ref 355791
Compassionate support for overwhelming life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingLisa Peter, LCSW, LIMHP
Ref 288708
Practical skills for anxiety and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingFaith Beaulieu, LCMHC
Ref 23986
Somatic-minded counselor for focused change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMore about social anxiety and phobia
Understanding social anxiety and phobia
Social anxiety and phobia describe intense worry or fear about social situations where you might be observed, judged, or evaluated. For some people this looks like a strong fear of public speaking, while for others it shows up as dread of meeting new people, eating in public, or performing tasks in front of others. The anxiety can be mainly about the immediate sensations - trembling, blushing, or feeling your mind go blank - and it can also be about what those sensations might mean about you as a person. Over time, those concerns can lead to avoidance of social settings and a narrowing of everyday life.
You may notice that situations which once felt manageable now provoke intense anticipation, or that you spend a lot of time rehearsing conversations and analyzing past interactions. That pattern of avoidance and rumination can affect relationships, work or school performance, and your sense of well-being. Social anxiety can present differently depending on your temperament, cultural background, and life stage, so it is helpful to think about how these worries show up for you personally rather than relying on a single label.
Signs you might benefit from therapy
If your fear of social situations interferes with the things you want to do, therapy can help you learn new ways of responding. You might consider seeking therapeutic support if you find yourself avoiding social events, turning down job or dating opportunities, or consistently feeling paralyzed by the thought of interacting with others. You may also notice intense physical reactions before or during social encounters, such as a racing heart, shaking, sweating, nausea, or difficulty speaking. Those physical symptoms can reinforce the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
Another sign that therapy could be helpful is spending a large amount of time worrying about how others perceive you, replaying interactions, or ruminating about perceived mistakes. You might use alcohol, food, or other coping strategies to get through social situations, which can be a signal that the underlying anxiety is becoming harder to manage on your own. Therapy is intended to be a collaborative process that helps you identify patterns, practice new skills, and build confidence in settings that currently feel threatening.
What to expect in therapy for social anxiety
When you begin therapy for social anxiety, the first phase usually focuses on building understanding and clear goals. Your therapist will ask about the situations that trigger anxiety, how you cope, and what you want to be able to do differently. That assessment helps you and your therapist set steps that feel manageable and relevant to your life. Sessions often mix psychoeducation - learning about how anxiety works - with practical exercises you can use between meetings.
Common session elements
Typical elements of treatment include skill-building for managing symptoms, such as breathing techniques, grounding strategies, and cognitive approaches that help you identify and test unhelpful thoughts. Role-playing and behavioral experiments are often used so you can practice interactions in a supportive setting, followed by reflection on what you learned. Homework assignments are common - these are structured ways to gradually face situations that currently feel threatening, so progress accumulates over time rather than relying on hope alone.
Common therapeutic approaches
Therapists who list cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, among their approaches frequently use a combination of cognitive restructuring and exposure-based activities to reduce anxiety. Therapists who list acceptance and commitment therapy among their approaches may emphasize values-based action and learning to live with uncomfortable feelings while pursuing meaningful activities. You will also find therapists who list mindfulness-based strategies, interpersonal approaches, or psychodynamic methods among their approaches, each bringing different emphases on thought patterns, behavior, or relational history. Group therapy is another option that some therapists list among their approaches; it gives you a chance to practice social skills in real time while receiving feedback from others in a similar position.
How online therapy works for social anxiety and phobia
Online therapy has become a practical option for people seeking help with social anxiety because it increases access to clinicians with relevant experience and offers flexible session formats. Typical online care includes video sessions that mirror in-person therapy, phone sessions for shorter check-ins, and text-based messaging for sharing progress or homework between meetings. You can practice exposure tasks and social skills in ways that draw on your online sessions - for example, rehearsing conversations on video, recording role-play exercises, or arranging real-world exposures with support from your therapist.
Many people appreciate that online sessions allow them to work from a familiar setting, which can lower barriers to beginning treatment. At the same time, online work requires attention to practical details such as internet connection, camera setup, and a quiet place where you can focus. If you plan to try online sessions, consider whether you want a clinician who specifically lists experience with virtual care among their approaches, and ask how they adapt exposure exercises and role-plays to an online format. Therapists often coordinate with local resources or prescribing clinicians when medication or additional services are being considered as part of a broader plan.
Tips for choosing the right therapist for social anxiety and phobia
When you look through profiles, focus on fit as much as any single technique. Read how therapists describe their work with social anxiety, what populations they focus on, and which approaches they list among their approaches. If you value a skills-based path, you might prioritize clinicians who mention cognitive behavioral strategies and exposure methods among their approaches. If you want attention to the relationship between past experiences and present anxiety, consider therapists who list psychodynamic or relational work among their approaches. Language, cultural background, and experience with particular communities can also shape whether you feel understood and respected.
Think about practical preferences such as session length, communication style, and whether you would be open to group therapy as part of treatment. When you reach out to a therapist, it can be helpful to ask about how they typically structure sessions for social anxiety, what kinds of homework they suggest, and how they measure progress. Trust your sense of rapport - feeling comfortable sharing your experiences is an important part of change. You do not need to find a perfect match on the first try; sometimes a few initial conversations can help you decide who fits your needs and approach.
Ultimately, therapy is a partnership. By clarifying your goals, learning practical skills, and taking steps that gradually expand what feels possible, you can reduce the hold social anxiety has on your choices and cultivate greater freedom in social settings. Use the therapist profiles on this page to explore options, compare approaches, and identify clinicians whose focus and communication style align with what you want to work on.