Social Anxiety
Sometimes clients are shy or insular and they haven’t had a lot of experience making friends or dating. Perhaps they came from families that were private or non-communicative so it is a hard transition to suddenly be social in the world at large.
Therapy can be helpful because it is a safe place where the client will not be judged and it’s confidential so the client can practice one-on-one communication in vivo first. When we practice techniques in a safe way, they become easier. In time fears are discussed as well as limiting beliefs about one’s social self. New communication skills are practiced as well as developing a tougher skin around rejection. Ideally, over time self-esteem is increased and relationships are viewed as positive and supportive rather than negative.