We first began these groups -- with apprehension-- in 1998, but with the arrival of the cognitive therapy that can be done BEFORE you come to the group, this international group program has proven successful in helping people overcome social anxiety. Please note: The cognitive therapy must, in its entirety, be done BEFORE you come to the international group.)
The 3-week Intensive CBT Program is an active, structured treatment program run by psychologist Dr. Thomas A. Richards for people with social anxiety disorder. Dr. Richards is assisted by experienced group therapists who will be in charge of parts of the meeting. The group consists of 6 to 8 members who are motivated and ready to overcome social anxiety. Knowing, understanding and using the cognitive methods and strategies in the audio therapy series, Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step by Step, before coming to the program is essential.
"If it weren’t for attending this international group, I don’t think I would have been able to get to the point I am at today." - Jake
In this 3-Week, all day therapy program, you will work on the behavioral components of reducing anxiety in different, practical (real-life) situations. As with all therapy at the Social Anxiety Institute, you will slowly and gently work your way up to reducing anxiety in practical situations. You are not forced or coerced into doing anything. There will be no surprises with any of this. To get a thorough idea of what goes on in this 3-week intensive group, read Trevor Mason's experience.
Remember, this is a 6-day per week program for 3 weeks, approximately 6 hours a day at the SAI house with Dr. Richards, and evenings spent socially and behaviorally with your other group members. Both the daily and nightly activities are essential to the program and will benefit you on your path of overcoming social anxiety.
People from all over the world have attended these 3-Week “international” Programs. In addition to people coming from different parts of the USA, we have had participants from Germany, Syria, England, Poland, Turkey, Ireland, Nepal, Spain, Antigua, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Luxembourg, India, Iran, South Korea, Croatia, and the UAE.
Here are more personal stories from people who benefited from the international group:
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