Social Anxiety Therapy in Surrey, BC
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Social anxiety therapy helps you reduce fear of social situations, build confidence, and feel more comfortable being yourself around others. At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback in Surrey, BC, our therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT, EMDR, and neurofeedback to support lasting change.
Social anxiety is one form of anxiety, and it can sometimes overlap with panic symptoms, chronic worry, perfectionism, trauma responses, or difficulty calming the nervous system. If your symptoms extend beyond social situations, our broader
anxiety counselling services may also be helpful.
If you feel anxious, self-conscious, or overwhelmed in social situations, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, we provide effective, evidence-based anxiety therapy for social anxiety that helps you move from fear and avoidance toward confidence, connection, and ease.
Whether you struggle with:
- Speaking in groups
- Meeting new people
- Being judged or embarrassed
- Workplace or school interactions
- Dating or relationship anxiety
Our therapists for social anxiety are here to help you feel more comfortable being yourself.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety (also called social anxiety disorder) is more than shyness. It’s a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations.
You might notice:
- Overthinking conversations before or after they happen
- Avoiding social situations altogether
- Physical symptoms (racing heart, sweating, shaking)
- Fear of saying the “wrong thing”
- Feeling stuck, isolated, or misunderstood
Social anxiety can sometimes involve panic symptoms, chronic overthinking, avoidance, or fear of being judged in work, school, dating, or group settings. Some clients also experience panic attacks in social situations or live with ongoing generalized anxiety that extends beyond social settings.
Without support, social anxiety can limit relationships, career growth, and overall wellbeing—but social anxiety treatment is highly effective.
Shyness or Social Anxiety: When to Seek Support
Many people wonder whether what they feel is ordinary shyness or something more. Shyness tends to ease as you warm up to a situation, and it usually does not stop you from doing the things that matter to you. Social anxiety is more persistent. It can lead you to avoid speaking up at work, decline invitations, or replay conversations for days afterward. If avoidance is shaping your choices, or the fear of judgment feels out of proportion to the situation, therapy can provide space to understand what is happening and build new responses. You do not need a diagnosis to reach out.
How Therapy for Social Anxiety Helps
Social anxiety therapy works by helping you change both the internal experience (thoughts, emotions, nervous system responses) and external behaviours (avoidance, communication patterns).
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, treatment may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT
- Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns
- Reduce fear of judgment
- Build realistic, balanced thinking
Exposure and Gradual Confidence Building
- Gently face feared situations at your own pace
- Build confidence through real-life success experiences
EMDR: Trauma Informed Work
- Address past experiences that shaped social fear
- Reduce emotional intensity tied to social situations
Neurofeedback
- Train your brain toward calm, regulated states
- Improve resilience in socially stressful environments
- Explore brain-based support for anxiety
Relational and Attachment Based Therapy
- Explore deeper patterns of self-worth and belonging
- Strengthen your ability to connect authentically
- If social anxiety is impacting your relationship, consider relationship support if anxiety affects connection
- If social anxiety is impacting your relationship, consider relationship support if anxiety affects connection
How to Deal with Social Anxiety (What Actually Works)
If you’ve been searching for how to deal with social anxiety, you’ve likely already tried pushing through, avoiding situations, or over-preparing.
What actually helps is:
- Understanding why your anxiety shows up
- Learning how to regulate your nervous system
- Practicing new experiences in a supported way
- Building self-trust, not just coping strategies
Therapy creates a space where this change becomes possible—and sustainable.
Social Anxiety Treatment at Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback
What makes our approach different:
✔ Personalized care – Therapy tailored to your unique experience
✔ Evidence-based methods – CBT, EMDR, neurofeedback, and more
✔ Support at your pace – No forced exposure or pressure
✔ Whole-person approach – Mind, body, and relationships
✔ Local and accessible – In-person in Surrey (Cloverdale) & online across BC
We also offer affordable therapy options through our intern counsellors, making support more accessible.
We don’t just help you “manage symptoms”—we help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected in your daily life.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first appointment is a conversation, not a test. Your counsellor will ask about the situations that feel hardest, what you have already tried, and what you would like to be different. Together you will set a pace that feels manageable, and you will not be pushed into feared situations before you are ready. Many clients find that simply talking through their experience with someone who understands social anxiety brings early relief. Sessions are available in person at our Cloverdale, Surrey office or through online therapy across British Columbia.
Who We Help
Our social anxiety therapists support:
- Children, teens and young adults navigating school and friendships
- Professionals facing workplace anxiety or performance pressure
- Individuals struggling with dating or relationships
- People who feel stuck, isolated, or disconnected
- Those with long-standing social anxiety disorder
Start Feeling More Comfortable Being Yourself
You don’t need to eliminate anxiety completely to live a full, connected life—you just need the right support to move through it.
With the right therapist for social anxiety, change is not only possible—it’s likely.
Related Anxiety Therapy Services
For practical everyday strategies, read our blog post Coping with social anxiety: tips and tools that actually help.
Therapists Who Support Social Anxiety at Sojourn
Everyone on our team is trained to support social anxiety — the therapists below are a helpful starting point, and you are welcome to choose anyone whose approach and availability fit.
Katherine Ouano
MEd, RCC
Supports youth and adults experiencing anxiety, fear of judgment, and emotional overwhelm. EFT, DBT, CBT, EMDR, and neurofeedback. Evening and weekend availability.
Alexandra Defazio
MEd, Associate Therapist
Supports adults working through social anxiety, self esteem, and life transitions. IFS, EFT, and ACT informed therapy, available in English and Spanish.
Sarah Ball
MA, Intern Counsellor (low cost)
Lower cost support for social anxiety and confidence, for individuals and couples. Emotionally focused, trauma informed, and somatic approaches.
Michael Murie
MCS-MFT candidate, Intern Counsellor (low cost)
Lower cost support for anxiety, self-esteem, and the fear of judgment that can make connection feel hard. Emotionally focused, systemic, and person-centred approaches, for individuals aged 16 and up, couples, and families. First session free.
Prefer to browse the whole team? View all therapist profiles and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best therapy for social anxiety?
There is no single best therapy for everyone. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including gradual exposure work, has strong research support for social anxiety. Depending on your goals, your counsellor may also draw on EMDR, mindfulness, attachment based approaches, or neurofeedback. The right fit depends on your experiences and preferences.
Can social anxiety be cured?
Social anxiety is considered highly treatable. Many people experience meaningful, lasting improvement with therapy, though progress looks different for everyone. Rather than promising a cure, therapy focuses on reducing fear and avoidance, building confidence, and helping you feel more comfortable being yourself in social situations.
How long does social anxiety therapy take?
It varies from person to person. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer term support, especially when social anxiety is long standing or connected to past experiences. Your counsellor will check in regularly so therapy stays focused on your goals.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You can begin therapy for social anxiety whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
Contact Us
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, we offer both in-person sessions in Surrey (Cloverdale) and online counselling across British Columbia. Book online or telephone counselling.
Contact us today to learn more about our Social Anxiety Therapy services or to schedule your first session. We offer flexible appointment times and an easy-to-use online booking system to make it convenient for you to get the support you need.
Get in Touch:
Or, book your appointment directly through our online booking platform. We’re here to help you take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
