CBT for Social Anxiety - by Stefan G Hofmann (Paperback)

About the Book

For many people, social situations can be incredibly anxiety inducing. In CBT for Social Anxiety, a leading expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers an evidence-based guide for overcoming social anxiety using CBT skills, including "social mishap exposures." By partaking in these humorous social scenarios, readers will discover that their fears are largely unfounded, and will gain the self-confidence needed to live a fuller life.

Book Synopsis

Don't let social anxiety rule your life! Overcome your fears using proven-effective skills grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Do you avoid social situations? Do you dread public speaking? Would you rather stay in a job you hate than go through the interview process? If so, you may have social anxiety--and you aren't alone. People who struggle with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of social situations. And as a result, could end up missing out on life's opportunities--such as getting their dream job, meeting new friends, or finding the perfect mate. If you're tired of social anxiety holding you back, this book can help.

In CBT for Social Anxiety, you'll learn how to conquer your fears using research-proven skills from one of the world's leading CBT experts. In addition to overcoming avoidance of social situations through understanding how your social anxiety works, you'll also learn how to engage in "social mishap exposures"--humorous social scenarios that you practice on your own terms, as you learn to see how well you're able to cope with your anxiety in the moment. As you gradually realize that your worst fears are unfounded, you'll gain the self-confidence needed to start really enjoying social interactions.

Avoidance may lessen your social anxiety in the short-term, but it can actually make anxiety worse in the long run. Using the skills outlined in this book, you'll learn how to face your social anxiety head on--so you can get on with your life.

Review Quotes

"An engaging book that provides a clear and detailed path to overcoming social anxiety. Hofmann presents helpful illustrations, case examples, and activities that will help people understand and reduce their social fears. Family and friends of socially anxious people will also benefit from reading this comprehensive guide."
--Lynn E. Alden, PhD, professor and clinical psychologist at The University of British Columbia in Canada--Lynn E. Alden, PhD

"Few, if any, books are built on such a solid base of evidence as this gem. If the goal is to truly manage social anxiety and experience a richer life, this is what you need."
--Todd B. Kashdan, PhD, author of The Art of Insubordination; and professor of psychology who leads The Well-Being Laboratory at George Mason University, USA--Todd B. Kashdan, PhD

"If you struggle with social anxiety and are looking for an easy-to-understand, no-nonsense, effective self-help book, then CBT for Social Anxiety by Stefan Hofmann is the book for you. Based on decades of research and written by one of the foremost experts in the field, CBT for Social Anxiety is an essential volume for anyone seeking to learn proven techniques for understanding and overcoming their anxiety in social situations."
--David A. Moscovitch, PhD, CPsych, professor of psychology at University of Waterloo, Canada--David A. Moscovitch, PhD, CPsych

"Social anxiety is a painful and debilitating condition affecting many people. Some of them are too shy to come to treatment. The new book by Stefan Hofmann is a gift for these individuals. The book incorporates cutting-edge research as well as ancient wisdom in a readable, engaging manner. It is filled with personable, real-life examples. I can envision many people turning to this book for insight, advice, and inspiration."
--Eva Gilboa-Schechman, professor of psychology at Bar-Ilan University in Israel--Eva Gilboa-Schechman

"Stefan Hofmann, a pioneer in the treatment of social anxiety, provides us with an inviting and inspiring set of tools and practices that have been proven helpful. This is a must-read for anyone who is troubled by, lives with, or treats someone with social anxiety."
--Murray B. Stein, MD, MPH, FRCPC, distinguished professor of psychiatry and public health at the University of California, San Diego--Murray B. Stein, MD, MPH, FRCPC

"This book brings together Hofmann's vast scientific knowledge of debilitating social anxiety with his warmth and humanity to create a pearl of a volume that will speak directly to all sufferers of this widespread problem. Practical skills and strategies, experience-based examples, along with clear and easy-to-read writing make this a book that holds tremendous importance to all people who are serious about mastering their social anxiety."
--Ronald M. Rapee, PhD, distinguished professor of psychology at Macquarie University in Australia, and author of Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia--Ronald M. Rapee, PhD

About the Author

Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, is one of the most widely cited experts on using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety--appearing in academic and medical journals as well as mainstream media. Hofmann has been researching social anxiety disorder for most of his career. CBT for Social Anxiety is the first nonprofessional book to translate Hofmann's research into a user-friendly format to help readers personalize this highly effective treatment to overcome social anxiety.

Foreword writer Robert L. Leahy, PhD, is author or editor of twenty-nine books, including If Only&...: Finding Freedom from Regret, The Worry Cure, and The Jealousy Cure. He is director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York, NY, and clinical professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College.