Home / Services / Social Anxiety Therapy
If speaking up, meeting new people or being the centre of attention fills you with dread, you are not alone. Social anxiety therapy helps you quiet the fear of judgment and feel more at ease with others.
Registeredclinical social worker
In personor online across Alberta
MultilingualEnglish, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu
On this page: What it is Signs How we help How it works Therapists FAQ Book
Quick answer
Social anxiety therapy is counselling for an intense, ongoing fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social or performance situations. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most researched treatment: it helps you challenge self-critical predictions, drop safety behaviours and gradually face feared situations so confidence can grow.
Social anxiety is more than shyness. It can affect school, work, dating and friendships, and it often improves significantly with the right support.
Is this right for you?
Most people feel nervous socially sometimes. Social anxiety is different when the fear is strong, lasting and starts to shape your choices.
Worrying a lot about saying the wrong thing, looking awkward or being criticized.
Skipping meetings, classes, parties or phone calls, or leaving early to escape discomfort.
Blushing, sweating, shaking, a racing heart or a blank mind when others are watching.
Going over interactions for hours afterwards, focusing on what you think went wrong.
Rehearsing what to say, avoiding eye contact or staying quiet to avoid attention.
Turning down jobs, promotions, relationships or friendships because of anxiety.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if we are the right fit. No referral is needed.
How we help
Therapy is collaborative and practical. You choose the situations that matter most to you, and we work on them step by step.
Sessions are usually 50 to 60 minutes, in person at our South Edmonton office or online by secure video anywhere in Alberta.
CBT helps you notice anxious predictions, such as “everyone will think I am boring”, test them in real situations and build a kinder, more realistic view of yourself.
Together we build a ladder of situations, from easier to harder, so you can practise them safely and let your confidence grow through experience.
Social anxiety turns attention inward. Skills to focus outward on the conversation, and to respond to yourself with less criticism, make interactions feel easier.
Step by step
A typical path. Your therapist adapts it to you.
A free 15-minute call to share what is going on, ask questions and get matched with the right therapist.
We listen, understand your history and goals, and agree on a plan together.
You build practical skills in session and try them in daily life, at a pace that feels manageable.
We check progress against your goals and adjust, wrap up, or plan follow-up support.
Care from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (MSW, RCSW) who is a Diplomate and Certified in CBT, with EMDR, DBT and Gottman training.
Our office is in South Edmonton, with secure video sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Counselling in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi and Urdu.
We direct bill select insurance providers. Eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP.
Respectful, trauma-informed care for people of every background.
Choose your therapist
Pick someone who feels like a good fit, then book directly with them on Jane or send us a request below.
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta and Registered Social Worker in Ontario, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling for individuals, couples and families.
Not sure who to choose? Select “No preference” in the form and we will match you.
No. Shyness is a personality trait and usually does not cause major distress. Social anxiety involves intense fear of judgment that leads to avoidance and gets in the way of daily life.
No. You and your therapist decide on each step together, starting with situations that feel manageable. Exposure work is always planned and paced.
Many people see meaningful progress within 12 to 16 sessions of CBT, though it varies with how long symptoms have been present and your goals.
Yes. Many people find online sessions an easier first step, and practice tasks can be planned for real situations in your own life.
No. You can book directly online or by phone. A doctor’s referral is not required, although some insurance plans ask for one, so check your plan if you plan to claim.
Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. We direct bill select insurance providers, and eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP. Check your plan for coverage details.
Our office is at 3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2, in South Edmonton. We also offer secure online sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Take the first step
Send a request and we will reply to arrange your first session, or book a time yourself on our secure Jane App portal.
587-372-3143
contact@disha.ca
3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2
In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 911. This form is not monitored around the clock.
