Social Anxiety Therapist Near Me

If you're searching for social anxiety therapy near me, you're probably feeling exhausted. Not just by people, but by the pressure to “just be more confident” or “put yourself out there.” If it were that easy, you’d have done it already.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.

At Sagebrush Counseling, I offer online therapy for adults in Texas who struggle with social anxiety—whether it shows up in big moments like public speaking, or in everyday things like making a phone call or talking to coworkers.

You don’t have to keep avoiding your life just to feel safe.

What Does Social Anxiety Look Like?

Social anxiety isn’t just shyness. It’s the constant worry that you’re being judged, that you’ll embarrass yourself, or that you’ll say the wrong thing and people will think less of you. It can feel like:

• Overthinking every word in a text or email

• Playing out conversations in your head before (and after) they happen

• Avoiding calls, meetings, or events—even ones you want to go to

• Worrying for days before a social event

• Feeling like everyone’s watching or criticizing you

• Struggling to speak up in groups or advocate for yourself

Sometimes it’s specific (like presentations), and sometimes it’s everywhere. Either way, it makes connection feel hard—and exhausting.

This Isn’t Just About Being “Too Quiet”

Social anxiety often goes deeper than most people realize. It can show up in:

• Dating and relationships (fear of rejection or saying the wrong thing)

• School or work settings (avoiding speaking up or networking)

• Friendships (struggling to make or keep connections)

• Everyday interactions (ordering food, asking for help, setting boundaries)

You might feel like you’re constantly on edge—like you have to rehearse being a person. Therapy can help you stop living in your head and start showing up in your life again.

Social Anxiety in College: When Campus Life Feels Too Loud

Starting college can be exciting—but also totally overwhelming. Between dorm life, packed lecture halls, group projects, and figuring out how to make friends, it’s easy to feel like everyone else got the manual for “how to be social”—and you didn’t.

If you're a college student struggling with:

• Fear of speaking up in class

• Avoiding group work or office hours

• Feeling anxious before campus events or social outings

• Worrying constantly about what people think of you

• Isolation or homesickness that won’t go away

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to “just get over it.”

Therapy can help you navigate the social pressures of college while building real confidence, healthier boundaries, and more ease in your day-to-day life. Whether you’re a freshman trying to adjust or a senior still feeling out of place, this support is for you.

How Therapy Helps With Social Anxiety

In therapy, you’ll have space to talk openly without fear of being judged or misunderstood. We’ll gently explore the roots of your anxiety and build tools that feel realistic—not overwhelming.

I use a blend of:

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – Helps you notice anxious thoughts without being ruled by them, while still doing what matters to you

• Self-compassion & inner child work – Especially helpful for those who grew up feeling like they had to be “perfect” to be accepted

• Creative expression – For clients who find it hard to explain things out loud or who connect better through journaling, visuals, or metaphor

• Psychodynamic work – To understand where these fears started and how they still affect you

This isn’t about pushing you into scary situations before you're ready. It’s about building the foundation so that, when you are ready, you can show up as yourself with more confidence and less dread.

Social Anxiety Therapy for the Real World

We’re not just working on confidence in a vacuum. Together, we’ll focus on real-life skills like:

• Asking for what you need

• Dealing with criticism or perceived rejection

• Building meaningful relationships without feeling like an imposter

• Setting boundaries and being okay with silence

• Saying no (without spiraling afterward)

You’ll also learn to notice your anxious thoughts for what they are—not facts, just thoughts—and begin responding to them with more clarity and kindness.

Dating with Social Anxiety: Why It Feels So Hard (And How Therapy Can Help)

Let’s be real—dating can be awkward even without anxiety. But when you add social anxiety into the mix? It can feel totally overwhelming.

You might spend hours overthinking what to text back, worry that you’re coming off as “weird,” or cancel plans because the nerves are just too much. Maybe you’ve even started avoiding dating altogether—not because you don’t want connection, but because it’s exhausting trying to navigate it all.

Sound familiar?

• You overanalyze everything you say (and everything they say, too)

• First dates leave you so anxious you can’t even be yourself

• You’re scared of rejection, so you play it safe or shut down

• You feel like dating means pretending to be someone you're not

Social anxiety makes something that’s supposed to be fun and exciting feel like a pressure-filled audition. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In therapy, we can work on the real-life stuff—how to manage those racing thoughts, feel more grounded during dates, and show up as your actual self (not the version you think someone else wants). You’ll get tools that make dating feel less like a performance and more like a conversation.

You don’t have to be totally “confident” before you put yourself out there. You just need support that helps you feel steady, self-aware, and a little more at ease.

Why Virtual Therapy Works So Well for Social Anxiety

Virtual therapy gives you the chance to work on social anxiety without jumping straight into a new and overstimulating environment. For many clients, it feels:

• Less intimidating than sitting in an unfamiliar office

• Easier to be vulnerable from the comfort of your own space

• More flexible if you’re balancing school, work, or caregiving

• A great step between isolation and full social engagement

You can even bring your coffee, your blanket, and your dog. That’s the kind of space we’re building.

Therapy for Social Anxiety in Texas

All sessions are virtual and available to anyone living in Texas—including Austin, Houston, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re in a busy city or a quiet town, therapy is just a click away.

📞 Call or text (512) 790-0019
📧 Email: contact@sagebrushcounseling.com
💻 All sessions are virtual for Texas residents only

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Anxiety Therapy

Do I have to talk a lot in therapy?
Nope. We go at your pace. It’s totally normal to feel nervous at first. I’ll meet you with patience, warmth, and zero pressure to “perform” in any way.

Will therapy make me do things I’m not ready for?
Absolutely not. This is not exposure therapy boot camp. We’ll build tools and confidence gradually—always with your consent and readiness.

What if I’m also dealing with ADHD, autism, or past trauma?
That’s okay. Many of my clients are neurodivergent or have complex histories. We’ll tailor therapy to honor all of your experiences, not just one part.

Is therapy just about talking?
Not at all. I offer creative and experiential tools for clients who process in different ways—especially if talking isn’t your favorite thing.

Ready to Feel Less Alone in Social Situations?

If you’ve been holding your breath every time the phone rings, dodging invites, or feeling invisible in group settings, therapy can help.

You don’t have to become the most outgoing person in the room. You just deserve to feel safe and grounded as yourself.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation or book your first session.

Let’s make people-ing feel less painful—and connection feel possible again.