Therapy for Social Anxiety in Orange County, CA

Social anxiety goes beyond typical nervousness in social situations. You might have social anxiety if you experience intense fear of judgment, avoid social events or speaking up, have physical symptoms like sweating or racing heart in social settings, or spend excessive time worrying about how others perceive you. These feelings significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and personal goals. Thankfully, therapy can give you the support you need to feel more confident, secure, and connected.

Each person is unique, so there’s no one “best” therapy for social anxiety, and I typically integrate different approaches depending on your specific needs and goals. We may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and EMDR to help you heal from difficult past experiences that contribute to your current struggles. I also weave in attachment theory (EFIT), somatic practices, (IFS),  and mindfulness-based approaches.

Therapy provides a safe space to understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop tools to help you navigate social situations with more confidence. We'll work together to challenge negative self-talk, build self-compassion, and gradually increase your comfort interacting with others.

I use a holistic, attachment-based approach that considers how your early relationships and life experiences contribute to social anxiety. We'll explore how patterns like perfectionism and people-pleasing —often rooted in trauma—come into play and how we can gently shift toward connecting with others from a place of authenticity. My approach is also culturally sensitive and recognizes how identity, oppression, and societal pressures can impact your social experiences as a woman.

Our work together starts cultivating safety and trust in our therapeutic relationship. From here, we’ll begin to understand your unique experiences, identify your social anxiety triggers, and explore underlying beliefs about yourself and relationships. Over time (and through using evidence-based techniques), you'll gain insight, build confidence, and develop skills to navigate social situations with greater ease and authenticity.

I specialize in helping women challenge internal narratives of being “not good enough,” so whether you’re a college student navigating new social environments or an accomplished professional who still questions your worth in meetings, we could be a good fit. I especially love working with women of color who experience additional layers of social anxiety due to microaggressions or feeling like "the only one" in their various circles.

Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation call where we can discuss your goals and see if we're a good fit. During this call, you can ask questions about my approach and learn more about how therapy can help your social anxiety. If we decide to work together, we'll schedule your first session and begin your journey toward social confidence.