Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children
Social anxiety in children is more than just shyness; it involves a strong fear of social situations, where children worry about being judged or embarrassed. This can show up as avoiding activities like speaking in class or joining in group activities, or it might result in physical symptoms like stomach aches or shaking. Children may worry excessively before social situations and find it difficult to make friends or interact with others. However, with the right treatment for child social anxiety, including working with a psychologist, children can develop strategies to manage their anxiety and become more confident.
Children and teens often feel nervous or uncomfortable in new social situations or when meeting new people. Over time, these nerves typically pass after a conversation or two. However, in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), the child’s primary fear is of being negatively evaluated by others, whether those are adults or peers.
Children with SAD worry constantly that others will judge them negatively. They fear that they will embarrass themselves by acting, performing, or speaking in a way that will provoke others to think poorly of them. For example, children might worry that others are looking at them and perceiving them as unattractive, stupid, or unlikeable.
As a result, children with social anxiety tend to avoid social situations or activities that make them feel uncomfortable. They may feel like they are the centre of attention and that everyone is watching or judging them.
When children with SAD cannot avoid a social situation, their worry and distress often exceed what is expected for their age. This anxiety builds before, during, and even after the social situation. They may continue to feel distressed even after reassurance from others. The worry reoccurs despite repeated experiences and warm-up periods, which can make the situation feel worse for them.
When faced with uncomfortable social situations, children may experience:
Research shows that treatment for child social anxiety, particularly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), is one of the most effective approaches. In some cases, medication can help in conjunction with therapy, although CBT remains the first-line treatment.
Therapies typically include:
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We
provide treatment for child social anxiety using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).