Social Anxiety Therapy
Build Confidence
How Social Anxiety Impacts Your Connections
Social anxiety can make even everyday interactions feel stressful — whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, attending social gatherings, or connecting with others in meaningful ways. The fear of judgment, embarrassment, or making a mistake can lead to avoidance, isolation, and self-doubt. Over time, this can impact confidence, relationships, and overall emotional well-being.
At Minisink Psychology, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help individuals understand the root of their social anxiety, manage anxious thoughts, and build the confidence to connect authentically with others. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore fears, develop practical coping strategies, and learn new ways to navigate social situations with calm and assurance.
Recognizing Patterns of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can appear in many different ways, such as:
- Avoiding social events, meetings, or new situations
- Intense worry about being judged or making mistakes
- Physical symptoms like blushing, shaking, or sweating in public
- Overanalyzing conversations after they happen
- Struggling to assert yourself or express opinions
Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward understanding how anxiety influences your interactions and beginning the process of change.
How Therapy Supports Confidence and Connection
Therapy focuses on identifying thought patterns, emotional triggers, and avoidance behaviors that keep social anxiety in place. At Minisink Psychology, we integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to help clients challenge self-critical thoughts, manage anxiety symptoms, and practice new ways of engaging socially.
Therapy may include:
Cognitive Restructuring:
Learning to identify and reframe negative beliefs about yourself and others.
Exposure and Skills Practice:
Gradually facing social situations in a safe, supportive way.
Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation:
Managing anxious thoughts and physical symptoms through grounding and relaxation techniques.
Communication and Assertiveness Training:
Building the confidence to speak up and express yourself authentically.
Through therapy, clients learn practical tools to reduce anxiety, strengthen communication, and cultivate genuine self-confidence.
Serving Clients Across Bergen County, NJ and Beyond
We work with adults, teens, and families — in person and online. Whether you live in Ridgewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, Paramus, or nearby, our practice is here to help you take that first step.
Who Counseling is Designed For
Social anxiety therapy is helpful for anyone who feels anxious, uncomfortable, or self-conscious in social settings. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who avoids social interactions due to fear or worry, therapy can help you gain skills to feel more at ease and self-assured.
Treatment is personalized to your goals and comfort level, ensuring that progress happens at your pace in a supportive environment.
Lasting Improvements in Anxiety, Depression, Moods, and Functioning
Work with your brain’s natural ability to heal and adapt
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to form new connections, break old patterns, and adapt over time. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, constant worries, anger, or emotion dysregulation, neuroplasticity is the engine behind lasting change.
Regulate thoughts and emotions
Modify our thoughts to be more in line with reality
Rewire emotional responses to memories
At Minisink Psychology & Psychotherapy, we provide professional and empathic evidence-based psychotherapy to help you navigate life’s challenges and strengthen your inner resilience.
Meet Our Therapists
Suzannah Espinosa, PhD
