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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the differences between shyness to social phobia?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Mental Health Phobia
    I want to know if these symptoms are considered social phobia - I’m 23 yrs old, female and these are the symptoms I always experience whenever I talk to new people or my supervisors. Fast heartbeat , shaking of voice, blushing, unable to deliver my words clearly , feeling embarrassed standing in front of audience and thinking that I will always embarrass myself.

    When I was younger, I used to cry when I do my report at school due to my anxiety. I couldn't perform the things I wanted to due to my anxiety which down the track led me to regret not doing certain things.

    Would hypnotherapy work at my age?
    • 2 answers
    • Pamela Hoy
    • Alysha Coleman
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    Pamela Hoy

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist

    Offering both Hypnotherapy and Counselling for my clients is a double opportunity to change unwanted feelings, thoughts, behaviours and reactions. Accessing both the conscious and … View Profile

    I believe hypnotherapy may be of great assistance in reducing and possibly even removing your anxiety permanently.  I am both a clinical hypnotherapist and professional counsellor, utilizing both therapies may offer you the best opportunity to change your unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviours into positive and constructive behaviours and emotions consciously and subconsciously. You are not alone in feeling as you do. There are millions of people who respond to similar situations just as you do. The physical symptoms you described are typical for some one who is anxious, and although unpleasant and embarassing are not harmful to you if you are good health.  Hypnotherapy can be extremely helpful for children as young as 4 years of age, on going through the different age groups to the very elderly.  Being 23 years old, you are at a great stage of life to experience hypnotherapy and/or counselling. I personally have seen many clients with similar concerns as you have described. After 3 or 4 sessions  most clients feel in control, having achieved their goal of overcoming their anxiety. Regarding whether you are experiencing social-phobia or anxiety, I would suggest a pyschologist who also practices clinical hypnotherapist may be the most appropriate health professional to ask as they are trained in diagnosing their clients.  The role of counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist does not include diagnosing clients, but rather to utilize appropriate therapy dependent on the information given by the client. I would suggest you consider taking the next step, and speak with a therapist who will guide you in overcoming this challenge so you can feel self -confident and enjoy social interaction in the future.  Best Wishes Pam

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  • Alysha Coleman

    Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist

    Alysha is the Primary Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Institute for Healthy Living, a clinical psychology practice in Bondi Junction. Alysha has worked with … View Profile

    Shyness and Social Anxiety both sit on the same spectrum. Social Anxiety is just at the more extreme end. We all experience a degree of anxiety in social or performance situations and find ourselves being concerned about what others think of us. However, some people experience this anxiety at a level that is very distressing and gets in the way of living their life. It sounds like your anxiety is being triggered in a number of situations which is getting in the way of you being able to interact with people. The good news is that there are effective ways of overcoming the impact that anxiety is having on your life. Make sure you look at a number of approaches and find the one with proven outcomes that appeals to you. I wish you all the best in doing so!

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