3 of the Best Houston Counselors for Social Anxiety
HEAL FROM SOCIAL ANXIETY
Do you experience intense anxiety or nervousness when faced with social situations? Do you fear being judged or criticized by others? Are you always worried about making mistakes, looking bad, or being embarrassed in front of others? If you answered yes to any of the above, you may have a social anxiety disorder.
About Social Anxiety Disorder
While it is normal to feel nervous in some social situations, people who experience daily social anxiety tend to avoid everyday interactions that cause them significant fear, anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or judged by others.
People with social anxiety disorder often experience significant distress in the following situations:
Being teased or criticized
Being the center of attention
Being watched or observed while completing a task
Having to say something in a formal, public setting
Meeting people in authority, such as important people or authority figures
Feeling insecure and out of place in social situations
Embarrassing easily
Meeting other people’s eyes
It's important to note that symptoms of social anxiety can overlap with symptoms of other mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend connecting with one of our trained mental health professionals. Together, we can get to the root of your challenges and help you cultivate a life you feel good about.
How social anxiety counseling can help
Therapy can be a transformative experience for individuals struggling with social anxiety. When you choose to invest in your mental health, you can expect to experience:
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Feel less overwhelmed and stressed in social situations. Learn to manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.
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Develop a stronger sense of self-worth and believe in your abilities. Challenge negative self-talk and cultivate a more positive self-image.
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Build confidence in initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and expressing your thoughts and feelings effectively.
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Feel more empowered to attend social events, participate in group activities, and pursue your interests without excessive fear.
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Enjoy more fulfilling relationships, career opportunities, and overall well-being. Therapy can help you reconnect with your passions and live a more vibrant life.
Ready to see how talk therapy can help you? Connect with us today to request your free consultation.
Our approach to social anxiety therapy
At Whitmire Counseling, we believe in a holistic approach to healing. Our therapy sessions are designed to empower you to overcome social anxiety and live a fulfilling life. We offer a compassionate and practical framework that focuses on:
Individualized treatment plans
We tailor therapy to your specific needs and goals, creating a personalized roadmap to recovery. Whether you're dealing with social anxiety or other related challenges, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges.
Identifying and addressing root causes
We believe that understanding the underlying factors contributing to your social anxiety is crucial for lasting change. Together, we'll explore past experiences, thought patterns, and emotional responses to develop effective strategies for overcoming challenges.
Building resilience
We help you develop the strength and coping skills to navigate difficult social situations with confidence. You'll learn to manage setbacks, build emotional regulation, and cultivate a positive mindset.
Creating lasting change
Our goal is to equip you with the tools and strategies to manage social anxiety long-term. We'll help you develop a strong foundation of self-awareness, social skills, and coping mechanisms that you can rely on for years to come.
Not sure if our practice is the right fit for you? Get in touch today to request your complimentary consultation.
Meet our team
3 top-rated social anxiety therapists in Houston
1. Sarah Whitmire, LPC-S, ATR-BC
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Hi, I'm Sarah, the owner and founder of Whitmire Counseling and Supervision. I work with teens and adults like you to get to the root of your challenges with social anxiety and discover personalized coping strategies that work for your life.
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Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Board Certified Art Therapist
Education: Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern Counseling
Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Location: In-person in Houston and online throughout Texas
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2. Nicole Reglos, LPC
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Nicole is a licensed professional counselor who supports her clients through a strong therapeutic relationship and evidence-based treatments. She uses a variety of different methods to provide social anxiety treatment that's customized to each person's unique situation.
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Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: Masters in Psychology from Midwestern State University
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eclectic Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Humanistic Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Location: In-person in Houston and online throughout Texas
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3. Ashley Enger
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Ashley is a counseling intern who is honored to help her clients work through social anxiety, boost low self-esteem, find tools to calm panic attacks, and more. She has nearly a decade of experience working with children and families at MD Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Cancer Hospital.
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Credentials: Counseling Intern
Supervised by: Supervised by Sarah Whitmire LPC-S, ATR-BC
Education: Candidate for Dual Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from PennWest University
Location: In-person in Houston and online throughout Texas
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FAQs about therapy for social anxiety
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The exact cause of social anxiety is complex and often varies from person to person. It's generally believed to be a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences. Some people may develop social anxiety after experiencing negative social experiences, while others may have a predisposition towards anxiety disorders.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with social anxiety is unique, and there's no single definitive cause. We'll work together to find the core of your specific struggles and find individualized solutions that work for you.
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While there are many "natural" strategies that can help manage social anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, meditation, and healthy lifestyle changes, it's important to understand that social anxiety is a complex condition. While these approaches can be beneficial, they may not be sufficient for everyone. For persistent or severe social anxiety, professional help is often necessary to address the underlying causes and develop effective coping mechanisms.
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There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to therapy for social anxiety. Different people respond to different approaches. We offer a variety of therapeutic techniques to treat social anxiety, tailored to individual needs and goals. We want to find the best fit for you and help you develop the tools you need to overcome social anxiety.
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Any licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or licensed professional counselor (LPC), can be an effective social anxiety therapist. The most important factor is finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and connected. Reach out to us today to request your free consultation and see whether we're the right fit for you.
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition. Learning coping skills in therapy sessions can help you gain the confidence you need to improve your ability to interact with others.
If you feel you may have a social anxiety disorder, I encourage you to contact me and my team today.