Embodied Integrations Psychotherapy and Coaching
Dennis Guyvan, MA, LPCC. Individual Therapy and Coaching in Denver, CO and Online
Social Anxiety Therapy
Social Anxiety is not "just overthinking social interactions"!
I've been there too. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through each day when social anxiety takes hold. Social anxiety isn't just about being shy or introverted; it's a much deeper struggle that affects your entire being.
It Isn't "Just Overthinking Social Interactions"
Social anxiety isn't "just overthinking social interactions" pattern — it's about the very real physiological response of your nervous system. It can be incredibly invalidating to hear that social anxiety is merely overthinking social interactions, especially when you feel it intensely in your body. This misconception can leave you feeling misunderstood and alone in your struggles.
The Real Reason
The real reason behind social anxiety is being stuck in a "fight or flight" nervous system state when you're around people.
Our nervous system has three primary states:
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freeze
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fight and flight
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safety and connection
Chronic social anxiety is your nervous system's inability to shift from the "fight or flight" response (a natural reaction to perceived threats) to the "safety and connection" state. When you're in the fight or flight state around others, your body is on high alert, preparing you to face perceived social dangers.
The Solution: Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy helps you "shift your nervous system gear" into the "safety and connection" state. Unlike cognitive approaches that focus solely on changing thoughts, somatic therapy works directly with your nervous system to bring about lasting change. Somatic therapy addresses the root cause of social anxiety at a physiological level using a more holistic and natural way of working with anxiety.
How Somatic Therapy Might Look Like in Session
My style of therapy is very down-to-earth and usually includes three key elements:
1. Awareness of Sensations: Recognizing the physical sensations of social anxiety, such as sweating, blushing, or feeling a lump in your throat. By becoming aware of these sensations, you can begin to understand how social anxiety manifests in your body and start to take control.
2. Nervous System Shift: Processing social anxiety and the underlying emotions to transition your nervous system into a state of "calm and connection." This involves working through the emotions and experiences that trigger your social anxiety, allowing you to release pent-up stress and tension.
3. Mind and Body Integration: Integrating your thoughts and feelings after the release, leading to a harmonious balance between your mind and body. This step is crucial for maintaining the changes you've made and ensuring that you can handle future social interactions with greater ease.
Your Future Without Social Anxiety
Imagine a life without social anxiety—a life where you feel calm, confident, and connected. You can engage in social activities, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy your life without the constant shadow of social anxiety. Picture waking up each day with a sense of peace, knowing that you have the tools and resilience to handle any social situation that comes your way.
Take the First Step!
Take the first step towards your more peaceful future. Schedule a free consultation today and discover how somatic therapy can transform your life! Together, we can unlock your potential and help you thrive in social settings in ways you never thought possible.
I am here to support you on this journey. I want to offer you a safe, compassionate, courageous, and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today to begin your journey to lasting relief from social anxiety!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Social Anxiety be a symptom of unprocessed underlying emotions and traumas? Social anxiety is a signal from your body and mind. It's not just an inconvenient discomfort; it has a deeper purpose. Social anxiety can manifest in various ways, from trembling in social situations to the fear of being judged or embarrassed. Each of these manifestations is your body's way of communicating with you. Here's where you come in: It's essential to listen to what your social anxiety is trying to convey. Often, social anxiety is a reaction to deeper, unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. These underlying issues are the root causes of your social anxiety. Instead of merely managing the symptoms, it's time to address these root causes. This is where somatic therapy, the approach we employ, becomes your valuable ally. SOMATIC THERAPY: YOUR PATH TO ROOT CAUSE RESOLUTION Somatic therapy is a transformative and effective modality that empowers you to address the root cause of your social anxiety, rather than simply managing its symptoms. It recognizes the profound connection between your body and mind and understands that emotional experiences are not confined to your thoughts and feelings. Your body plays a significant role in processing and retaining emotions. In your journey to social anxiety therapy in Denver, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach. It enables you to explore the intricate connection between your body, mind, and emotions. By doing so, you can access the root causes of your social anxiety, paving the way for deep healing and lasting relief. THE INFLUENCE OF UNPROCESSED EMOTIONS Unprocessed emotions are often the driving force behind social anxiety. These emotions may originate from past experiences, such as early childhood traumas, unresolved conflicts, or pivotal life events. Some of these feelings may have been tucked away because you lacked the tools or support to address them at the time. When you don't attend to them, they accumulate, creating an emotional burden. Your body responds to this burden by triggering social anxiety, acting as a signal that unresolved issues require your attention. Social anxiety is your body's way of saying, "Please pay attention, something needs your care." Somatic therapy understands that these unprocessed emotions are stored within your body, often as tension or discomfort. It provides a safe and supportive space for you to explore and release these emotions, enabling your body to let go of the emotional baggage it has been carrying. This process is not just about symptom management; it's about getting to the root causes and achieving authentic healing. THE LINGERING IMPACT OF UNRESOLVED TRAUMA Unresolved trauma can also be a significant contributor to social anxiety. Traumatic experiences can leave profound imprints on your nervous system, influencing your emotional and physical well-being. Whether it's a single traumatic incident or a series of distressing events, trauma can cast a long shadow over your life. Your body and nervous system retain trauma in a way that your conscious mind might not fully grasp. Trauma can lead to hypervigilance, a heightened state of alertness, and intense emotional reactions—all of which can feed into social anxiety. Unresolved trauma is akin to an open wound, continuously impacting your sense of safety and well-being. Somatic therapy provides a specialized space to process and heal from trauma. It recognizes that trauma is not merely a story you tell; it's an experience that resides within your body. Through somatic techniques, you can access and release the stored trauma, allowing your nervous system to return to a state of balance and regulation. This profound healing process transcends symptom management and offers you the opportunity to reclaim your life. YOUR JOURNEY WITH SOMATIC THERAPY IN DENVER Envision your journey through social anxiety therapy with somatic therapy as a voyage of self-discovery and healing. Here's what you can anticipate along the way: 1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT Your journey commences with an initial assessment. This is the opportunity for us to understand the specific challenges you face with social anxiety, including any underlying emotions and traumas. Together, we'll craft a personalized treatment plan designed to address your unique needs and objectives. 2. BUILDING AWARENESS Somatic therapy places a strong emphasis on self-awareness. You'll learn to tune into the sensations within your body, discovering how they correspond to your emotions. This heightened awareness becomes a powerful tool for recognizing and addressing unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. 3. EXPLORING EMOTIONS Within our therapeutic sanctuary, you'll begin to explore your emotions and their somatic manifestations. You'll identify where tension or discomfort resides within your body, and together, we'll gently navigate through these sensations. This process enables you to access and process the unprocessed emotions that underlie your social anxiety. 4. RELEASING AND HEALING As you engage in somatic therapy, you'll find the opportunity to release and heal. Unprocessed emotions and unresolved trauma will find a pathway to expression and resolution. This process empowers you to let go of emotional burdens and transform your relationship with social anxiety. 5. DEVELOPING COPING STRATEGIES Somatic therapy equips you with practical coping strategies to manage social anxiety in your day-to-day life. These strategies are rooted in your newfound self-awareness and emotional regulation, enabling you to respond to social anxiety in healthier and more effective ways. 6. ACHIEVING LASTING RELIEF The ultimate objective of somatic therapy is to assist you in achieving lasting relief from social anxiety. By addressing the root causes and fostering genuine healing, you can experience a profound transformation. Instead of managing symptoms, you can progress towards a life where social anxiety no longer dominates your existence. YOUR DECISION TO HEAL Your decision to embark on the journey of social anxiety therapy in Denver with somatic therapy is a powerful and transformative choice. It's an investment in your well-being, an opportunity to address the root causes of your social anxiety, and a pathway to lasting relief. By acknowledging that social anxiety often results from deeper, unprocessed emotions and traumas, you're taking a significant step toward healing. I am here to support you on this journey. We provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Together, we'll explore the depths of your emotions, release the burdens you've carried for so long, and guide you towards the freedom and well-being you deserve. The path to healing is within your reach. Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us today to embark on your journey to lasting relief from social anxiety in Denver. Your healing and transformation await. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!
