Living Well with Social Anxiety

Deborah Dobson, PhD, specialized in treatment of people with social anxiety disorder in her decades-long career as a clinical psychologist. Since retiring from clinical practice in 2023, she continues to provide training and consultation in cognitive-behavioral therapy, and is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. A recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her advocacy work in mental health, Dr. Dobson is a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and the Canadian Psychological Association.

“Do you get anxious in social situations, or care about someone who does? This invaluable book helps you understand this common difficulty and lays out concrete steps you can take to overcome it. People can break free of anxiety by making small changes in their thinking and behavior every day. Dr. Dobson guides you each step of the way.”--Judith S. Beck, PhD, President, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy“Whether you are addressing your shyness and social anxiety for the first time, or want to keep making progress following treatment, this is a super resource! This book helps you identify how social anxiety is getting in your way and what you can do to interrupt the cycle. In an encouraging and optimistic tone, Dr. Dobson digs into the nitty-gritty of making friends, developing romantic relationships, and navigating the workplace, offering specific, practical tips aimed at helping you live your best life.”--Deborah Roth Ledley, PhD, private practice, Philadelphia“Packed with dozens of straightforward and practical strategies that target core elements of social anxiety. Dr. Dobson helps you gain new insights into your anxiety experiences and learn innovative ways of coping. Most important, this book shows how you can build richer social connections to reduce loneliness and boost life satisfaction.”--David A. Clark, PhD, coauthor of The Anxiety and Worry Workbook“Simply wonderful--one of the most helpful self-help books I have seen! If you are a therapist, you will want your clients with social anxiety to try out the skills in this book.”--Nina Josefowitz, PhD, private practice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada-

• AcknowledgmentsIntroductionI. Taking Charge of Social Anxiety1. How Is Social Anxiety Limiting Your Life?2. How Can You Interrupt the Social Anxiety Cycle?3. Gearing Up for Change--and Making It StickII. Daily-Life Strategies for Change in Social Anxiety4. How to Respond Planfully to Your Feelings5. How to Get to the Root of It All--Your Thoughts6. How to Avoid the Temptation of AvoidanceIII. Living Your Best Life7. How to Make the Connections You Want8. Navigating Your Personal Life--Friends and Family9. Navigating Your Professional Life--School and Work10. Keep It GoingIndexAbout the Author