IN THIS ISSUE
- Upcoming Group Dates
- Top 10 Feelings Social Anxiety Causes
- Taking Control of Your Life
- New Insurance Polices Cover Social Anxiety Disorder on Par with Medical Issues
Upcoming Group Dates
Local CBT Group for Social Anxiety
Next Date: January 25 - April 26, 2014
Details: Local Group. Fill out an application here. The all-day Saturday group is enhanced by social and behavioral activities on weeknights and Sundays. We have a community of people living here who are overcoming social anxiety together.
APPLY TODAY. Group is over half full.
International Therapy Groups
Next date: April 7 - April 21, 2014.
Details: International Group. These groups consist of people who are motivated and ready to overcome social anxiety. APPLY TODAY. Group has begun filling.
The Summer International Group runs from July 21st to August 9th, 2014.
Top 10 Feelings Social Anxiety Causes
10. Misunderstood by others (including therapists)
No one else understands what it feels like to have social anxiety. Social anxiety remains a relatively misunderstood anxiety disorder, so it comes as no surprise that we feel at a loss when it comes to overcoming it.
Many therapists lack the required knowledge to diagnose the disorder properly, and very few structured cognitive-behavioral therapy groups exist in the world. With time, hopefully this becomes less of an issue.
9. Restricted from living a "normal" life
We feel our options in life are limited. Because we feel unable to engage in common, everyday activities, we feel trapped. A sense of helplessness and lack of control often accompany the feelings of being stuck or trapped.
8. Trapped (in a vicious cycle)
We realize that our thoughts and actions don’t make rational sense, but we feel doomed to repeat them anyway. We don’t know any other way to handle scenarios in our lives. It is difficult for us to change our habits because we don’t know how.
7. Alienated
We feel alienated and isolated from our peers and families. We feel like we “don’t fit in” because no one understands us...
The "Overcoming Social Anxiety" Audio Series is now completely digital, so this will save you time and money. It will be especially helpful to our international friends.
We have also added an Installment Payment option on the audio series page for those who want to pay that way. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible with this therapy.
To use the payment plan, click the Contact button at the top of the page, select "Ordering" and mention "Installment Plan" in your message to us.
Successful Social Anxiety Groups
Successful social anxiety therapy groups follow the guidelines established by years of consistent research about social anxiety.
While individual appointments can help a person make progress with cognitive therapy, a group of people helps people make behavioral progress.
Successful social anxiety therapy groups:
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Are composed ONLY of people with a diagnosable case of social anxiety disorder.
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Are run by an experienced group leader who understands how to move people ahead in the appropriate manner.
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Have specific, written instructions for each new cognitive strategy.
For example, one of the first strategies we introduce to new patients, individually or in a group, is the idea (theme) that anxiety must be slowed down. This is an important theme that must be reinforced by many specific cognitive strategies.
We start out with a strategy that is practical and can be used in people's daily lives. This first "slowing down" strategy is called "Slow Talk" or "Calm Talk," which is the refusal to let anxiety get you worked up, nervous, and rushed. Slowing down the anxiety allows rationality and calmness to take over...
Social Anxiety CBT Groups Around The World
Go to the CBT Groups Operating page. These groups are proactive and structured. All of them use the "Overcoming Social Anxiety" audio series as a foundation for overcoming social anxiety.
LOS ANGELES: We recommend Richard A. Preuit, M.A., LMFT, running a practice in Arcadia, California. Rich is a licensed therapist, specializing in the treatment of social anxiety, and has been offering friendly, active, structured CBT groups for social anxiety for over 13 years. In the safety of the group you will learn, practice, and apply the OSA:SBS concepts, techniques, and strategies to your life, and then gradually and gently move out into the real world based on your own unique needs – no pressure. For more information, contact Rich at rapreuit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail message at 626-919-5903.
New Insurance Polices Cover Social Anxiety Disorder on Par with Medical Issues
Good news (finally) for people who have social anxiety disorder. The new Affordable Care Act policies all have the following provisions:
Insurance Cannot Limit Therapy Sessions; Must Pay at Same rate as Medical Visits
The new rule means that insurance companies can’t limit the number of therapy sessions for someone with social anxiety, or put a cap on their medication. In the words of the Health and Human Services Department the act ensures that “health plan features like co-pays, deductibles and visit limits are generally not more restrictive for mental health/substance abuse disorders benefits than they are for medical/surgical benefits.”
Insurance Companies Must Treat Mental Health Care as They Would Physical Disease
In addition to those suffering from mental disorders, victims of addiction should have a new lifeline if they already have or are able to purchase insurance...
You may be interested in reading:
Treating Social Anxiety Disorder
Comprehensive CBT for Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder is not Shyness
Social Anxiety Test: Do I Have Social Anxiety
Step by Step Progress Against Social Anxiety Disorder
You CAN get better and overcome social anxiety. It happens all the time. You deserve a better life, free from the anxiety and the restrictions that social anxiety places on you, and we are here to help aid you in this process.
Thomas A. Richards, Ph.D., Psychologist/Director, SAI
Justin Bashore, Aaron O'Banion, SAI Professional Staff