A private, collaborative space to understand the fear of being judged and to work toward the parts of life it has been crowding out. Registered Psychologists and Registered Provisional Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Registered Social Workers regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Mental Health Therapists, and supervised Student Therapists. In-person sessions in Edmonton and St. Albert, and virtual sessions across Alberta available.

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You Might Be Wondering Whether Social Anxiety Counselling Is Right for You

You may be wondering whether what you feel is anxiety or just shyness, and whether it is serious enough to bring to a therapist. You might have spent years telling yourself you should be able to push through it on your own. There is also an awkward catch. Reaching out means talking to someone new, which may be the very thing that feels hardest.

Maybe you rehearse a phone call before you make it, then replay the conversation for hours afterward. Maybe you stay quiet in meetings when you have something to add, skip the team lunch, or leave a gathering early with an excuse that is not quite true. You might feel your face get hot or your voice shake and feel certain that everyone noticed.

These reactions make sense. When part of you expects to be judged, your mind and body work hard to protect you from embarrassment, and stepping away can bring real relief in the moment. That does not mean something is wrong with who you are. It may mean a protective pattern has started taking up more room than you would like.

If you are considering whether speaking with someone could help, this page may be a useful starting point. It explains how counselling for social anxiety works at Wholesome Psychology, what the research says, and what a first appointment involves. You may wish to read on and see whether any of it sounds familiar.

Who We Help

People arrive at this page from different places. Some are ready to book. Some are still unsure whether their experience "counts." Others are reading on behalf of a partner, a friend, or a child.

This service may be a good fit if you are

• An adult whose fear of embarrassment or being judged is affecting work, school, dating, friendships, or everyday errands
• Someone who avoids speaking up, eating in front of others, phone calls, interviews, or social events, and wants to understand why
• Unsure whether what you feel is "just shyness" and looking for a place to talk it through without needing a label first
• A parent or caregiver concerned about a child or teen who avoids school activities, classmates, or speaking in class
• A partner, family member, or friend gathering information for someone you care about
• Someone who would find it easier to start with virtual sessions from home

This service may not be the right fit if you

• Are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself or someone else. Please use the crisis resources below.
• Need a formal diagnosis or a report for legal, school, or workplace purposes. Forensic and legal needs are outside this counselling service. Psychological assessments are a separate service, described on our anxiety assessment page.
• Want to start, change, or stop medication. Psychologists and counsellors in Alberta do not prescribe. Your family physician or another prescriber is the right person for those decisions.
• Need more intensive or hospital-based care. If this comes up, your therapist can talk with you about referral options.

If You Need Help Right Now

Counselling is not set up for emergencies. If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about your safety, or someone is in danger, please contact one of these services. If talking on the phone feels like too much right now, the text options are there for you.

• 911 for immediate danger, or go to the nearest emergency department
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line (Canada): text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7)

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

What This Service Is

Social anxiety disorder counselling is talk therapy focused on the fear of judgement, embarrassment, or being watched, and on the ways that fear shapes your choices. Sessions are a place to understand what happens for you in social situations, notice the patterns that keep anxiety going, and practise new responses at a pace you help set. The work is collaborative and client-centred.

Social anxiety disorder is a recognized condition in the World Health Organization's international classification of diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025). This page cannot tell you whether that label applies to you. You also do not need a diagnosis to start counselling.

A few boundaries are useful to know from the start:

• Counselling is not a legal service, an investigative process, or crisis intervention.
• This counselling service does not include a psychological assessment. If you and your therapist think an assessment might be useful, they can talk with you about that option, which is offered separately.
• You set the pace. You decide what to share and when.
• What you share is confidential, with some legal limits that your therapist will explain at your first session. The Confidentiality and Privacy section bloew has the details.
• Each clinician works within their own training and professional scope. Questions about medication or physical health belong with a physician.

Anxiety often overlaps with other concerns, such as low mood, and some physical health conditions and substances can produce anxiety symptoms too (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [CAMH], n.d.). For that reason, a conversation with your family doctor can be a useful part of the picture (Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario [CMHA Ontario], n.d.).

Signs Social Anxiety May Be Affecting You

Social anxiety looks different from person to person. For some people it shows up in one or two situations, such as presentations. For others it touches almost every interaction (CAMH, n.d.). The list below is not a test and cannot tell you whether you have a condition. It describes experiences that clinical and public health sources commonly link with social anxiety (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2013; CAMH, n.d.).

• A strong fear of saying or doing something embarrassing, or of being judged negatively by others
• Avoiding everyday situations such as small talk, asking for directions, eating in a restaurant, or sharing an opinion
• Dreading an event for days beforehand, then going over it again and again afterward
• Worrying that others will notice you blushing, sweating, trembling, or seeming boring
• Paying such close attention to how you come across that it is hard to follow the conversation
• Leaning on small habits that help you get through, like staying at the edge of a group or keeping answers short, even when they leave you drained
• Turning down opportunities at work or school, such as interviews or group projects, because of the fear involved
• Seeing your anxiety as a personal flaw rather than something you can get support with

None of these experiences means something is permanently wrong with you. CMHA Ontario describes anxiety disorders as the most common mental health problem and notes that they can affect anyone at any age. It also describes social anxiety as more than shyness (CMHA Ontario, n.d.). These are common human reactions to the fear of judgement, and structured support may help you understand them and respond differently.

How Treatment Works Here

• Find your therapist. You can use the Match with a Therapist tool or browse our therapists' profiles to see who might suit you. For guidance, our admin team can help at 780-904-4880. If a phone call feels like a big step, you can book online or email info@wholesomepsychology.ca instead.
• Book your first session. Your first appointment covers consent, confidentiality and its limits, and what you hope to get from counselling. You can ask questions before sharing anything personal, and you do not need to have the right words ready. Our Getting Started with Therapy page explains the process in more detail.
• Build your plan together. You and your therapist agree on goals and an approach that fits your situation and preferences. Your input shapes the plan from the start.
• Ongoing sessions. Sessions are 50 minutes, usually weekly or every second week. The schedule can change as your needs change.
• Progress check-ins. Your therapist reviews how things are going with you regularly, and the plan can shift as you learn what helps.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Counselling is a collaboration, and your voice matters at every stage.

Evidence and Approaches

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis, a study that pools results from many trials, combined 66 randomized trials of psychotherapy (talk therapy) for adults with social anxiety disorder (de Ponti et al., 2024). On average, people who received therapy had a bigger drop in social anxiety symptoms than people in comparison groups. The authors also found that many of the trials had a significant risk of bias. They noted that long-term effects need more research (de Ponti et al., 2024).

Some adults also talk with their physician about medication. Decisions about medication rest with a physician or other prescriber (CMHA Ontario, n.d.). Guidelines also say what is not routinely recommended. Mindfulness-based approaches and supportive therapy are not routinely recommended on their own to treat social anxiety disorder (NICE, 2013). Some people still find mindfulness skills helpful for managing anxiety in general (CMHA Ontario, n.d.).

The approaches below are the ones the reviewed guidance speaks to most directly. Clinicians at Wholesome Psychology draw on different approaches depending on their training, so your therapist can explain what they use and why. You can also read more about cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy on their own pages.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Developed for Social Anxiety

What it helps with: The fear of being judged, the self-critical thoughts that come with it, and the habits that keep anxiety going.

Evidence summary: Clinical guidelines recommend offering adults individual CBT designed specifically for social anxiety disorder as a first option (NICE, 2013). CMHA Ontario describes CBT as an effective form of counselling for anxiety. It is often the first treatment to try when anxiety is mild or moderate (CMHA Ontario, n.d.).

Limitations: The guideline was published in the United Kingdom in 2013, and the CBT protocols it describes use longer sessions over about four months. Not everyone responds, and some people need more than one approach.

Graduated Exposure and Behavioural Experiments

What it helps with: Gradually facing situations you have been avoiding, at a pace you help set, to test whether the outcomes you fear actually happen.

Evidence summary: The CBT models described in clinical guidelines include graduated exposure to feared social situations and behavioural experiments that test negative beliefs, with practice between sessions (NICE, 2013). CMHA Ontario notes that anxiety treatment generally aims to reduce unhelpful coping strategies and build healthier behaviours (CMHA Ontario, n.d.).

Limitations: In the guideline, exposure is part of a full CBT package rather than a stand-alone treatment. Facing feared situations can feel uncomfortable at first, which is why the pace is agreed together.

CBT for Children and Teens, With Caregiver Involvement

What it helps with: Children and teens who avoid school activities, speaking in class, or time with peers because of a fear of embarrassment.

Evidence summary: Clinical guidelines recommend individual or group CBT focused on social anxiety for children and young people, with parents or carers involved where helpful, especially for young children (NICE, 2013). The work includes learning about anxiety, gradual exposure, and practising social skills. For some teens aged about 15 and older, approaches built for adults can be considered (NICE, 2013).

Limitations: The guideline describes structured treatment that may differ from community counselling. A child's home and school environment can affect progress, which is one reason caregivers are often involved.

Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

What it helps with: Exploring how shame, past relationships, and long-standing patterns may connect to present-day social fear.

Evidence summary: Clinical guidelines suggest considering short-term psychodynamic therapy developed for social anxiety for adults who prefer not to use CBT or medication (NICE, 2013). The approach described focuses on shame, recurring relationship themes, and building a more self-affirming inner dialogue (NICE, 2013).

Limitations: The same guideline notes that this approach has more limited evidence of effectiveness than CBT. It is generally positioned as an option for people who decline CBT rather than a first choice.

What Results to Expect

Progress with social anxiety is rarely a straight line. You might have a week where speaking up feels easier, followed by a stretch where old habits return. That is common and does not mean you are back at the start.

Some people notice shifts within a few months. Others benefit from longer-term work. Structured CBT for adults described in clinical guidelines typically runs over about four months (NICE, 2013), but your plan may look different depending on your goals and how often you meet.

Things that can influence how counselling goes include:

• How long the fear and avoidance have been part of your life
• Whether other concerns, such as low mood, are also present (CAMH, n.d.)
• What else is happening right now, including stress at work, school, or home
• Chances to practise new responses between sessions
• How well you and your therapist work together

No therapy can guarantee a particular outcome. Fit matters, and if a therapist or approach does not feel right, changing either one is always an option. Our admin team can help with a switch.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What you share in counselling is confidential. Psychologists at Wholesome Psychology are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and follow the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Other clinicians follow the privacy and ethics standards that apply to their own profession.

Two Alberta privacy laws apply to personal and health information. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) covers private organizations, including private clinics like ours. It sets rules for how they collect, use, share, and protect your personal information. The Health Information Act (HIA) covers health information held by health custodians, such as Alberta Health Services. Psychologists are not currently custodians under the HIA, so PIPA is generally the law that applies in a private clinic.

There are a few situations where a clinician may be required or permitted by law to share information without your consent:

• When there is a risk of serious harm to you or to someone else
• When there is a suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, which must be reported under Alberta law
• When information is ordered by a court

Your therapist will explain these limits clearly at your first session, including which privacy rules apply to your records. You are welcome to ask questions about privacy, records, or virtual sessions before you share anything personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about my most embarrassing moments in detail?

No. You decide what to share and when. You can start with what is happening now, such as a meeting you dread or a situation you keep avoiding, and work from there. If past experiences, such as being teased or bullied, feel connected, you can explore them if and when you feel ready.

Is what I share kept private?

Yes, with a few legal exceptions. These include a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, and a court order. Your therapist will go over these limits at your first session, and the Confidentiality and Privacy section above explains how PIPA and the HIA apply.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no set number. Some people prefer a shorter stretch focused on a specific situation, like an upcoming interview. Others prefer longer-term work. You and your therapist will review progress together and adjust the plan as you go.

What if the therapist is not the right fit?

That happens, and it is fine to say so. Changing therapists can feel especially uncomfortable when social anxiety is part of the picture (NICE, 2013). Our admin team can help you find a different clinician, or you can raise it with your current therapist if that feels easier. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can I access therapy online?

Yes. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in Alberta, and the same confidentiality standards apply. Some people find it easier to begin from home and decide later whether to meet in person. You can read more about online counselling at Wholesome Psychology.

What if even booking an appointment feels like too much?

That is a common barrier. Clinical guidelines recognize that people with social anxiety may find it hard to contact services, ask questions, or share information with professionals (NICE, 2013). You can book through our online booking system or email us instead of calling. It is also fine to tell your therapist that the first session feels nerve-wracking. That is useful information, not a problem.

Is this just shyness, or something more?

This page cannot answer that for you. CMHA Ontario describes social anxiety disorder as more than shyness, involving a fear of embarrassment or negative evaluation that can affect work, school, and relationships (CMHA Ontario, n.d.). Counselling is open to you either way, and you do not need a diagnosis to start. If you want a formal answer, a psychological assessment is a separate service you can ask our team about.

Meet Your Clinicians

Our team includes several kinds of clinicians: Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Canadian Certified Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. All psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Provisional psychologists are completing the last steps toward full registration. They practise under the supervision of a fully registered psychologist.

Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Mental Health Therapists and Student Therapists offer counselling at lower rates. Student Therapists are Master's-level students in training, and they see clients under clinical supervision.

Each clinician has different training and areas of focus. Profiles on our therapists page describe the approaches each person uses. That can help you look for someone whose experience matches what you want help with. If you are not sure where to start, the Match with a Therapist tool can help. You can also call 780-904-4880 for guidance.

Children and Youth

Social anxiety can show up early, in children who avoid speaking in class, hang back from classmates, or become upset before school events. Wholesome Psychology offers counselling for children, adolescents, and young people. Therapists who work with younger clients use approaches suited to the child's age and stage.

Caregivers are often part of the process. Clinical guidelines describe the value of involving parents or carers, particularly with young children, and of paying attention to what is happening at home and at school (NICE, 2013). Your child's therapist will also explain how confidentiality works for young clients. You can learn more on our child and youth anxiety counselling page and our teen mental health page.

Exploring Your Next Step

If you would like to learn more or talk about whether counselling could help, you can take the next step in whichever way feels most manageable:

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call 780-904-4880
• Email info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Read Getting Started with Therapy

Starting the conversation is enough.

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

References

• Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario. (n.d.). Anxiety disorders. https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/anxiety-disorders/
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Anxiety: Diagnosis. Text adapted from A. R. Brotea and R. Swinson, "The adult patient with an anxiety disorder," in Psychiatry in primary care (CAMH, 2019). https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/treating-conditions-and-disorders/anxiety-disorders/anxiety---diagnosis
• de Ponti, N., Matbouriahi, M., Franco, P., Harrer, M., Miguel, C., Papola, D., Sicimoğlu, A., Cuijpers, P., & Karyotaki, E. (2024). The efficacy of psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 104, 102881.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2013). Social anxiety disorder: Recognition, assessment and treatment [Clinical guideline].
• World Health Organization. (2025). ICD-11 for mortality and morbidity statistics: 6B04 Social anxiety disorder.