Overcoming Social Anxiety: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Gillian Butler

Author's product rating:   

Degree of Information	High
How easy was it to read / get information from	Very easy
How interesting was the book?	Captivating
Would you read it again?	Yes
Value for money	Excellent

Advantages:	Easy to read, techniques explained, positive
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having had social anxiety for a while, I was referred to a psychologist who specialised in the matter. I then had CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) in a group setting for 1 afternoon a week for 10 weeks, which really helped to improve my shyness. However, after it ended, I didn't feel as motivated or positive. I came across this book at the library and decided to give it a read.

It is 256 pages long and the dimensions are 19.6 x 12.7 x 2.8 cm, so it fits into most decent bags!

It is written by Gillian Butler, a consultant clinical psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society

The book is divided into three sections: Part One which explains social anxiety, the role of this fear, its origins and what actually happens when social anxiety strikes; Part Two gives a complete practical guide to overcoming these feelings, changing thinking patterns, reducing self- consciousness and building confidence; Part Three gives some "optional extras" such as explaining the legacy of being bullied and about how to learn to relax.

I'd say this is a really useful and practical book that, if you have social anxiety, is probably the best reference book to have handy.

For me, because I had CBT, this was a reminder, but extremely helpful all the same. I would imagine that if you hadn't, the book would be like a revelation e.g about how important it is to get out of negative thinking patterns, avoiding 'mind reading (they hate me and think I'm an idiot for example).

Some friendly advice

Definitely read this book if you think you might have social anxiety. Maybe get it out of the library and buy it if you find it useful

Photocopy the worksheets and use a notebook dedicated to doing the exercises in the book

Do all the exercises - try to do them frequently but don't beat yourself up if you miss one!

Try and put yourself in new situations - the best way to get the most out of CBT is to have plenty of opportunities to use the techniques - the more you use them, the more you'll improve.

Try not to compare yourself to other people - everyone's journey in life is different!

Check out some UK social anxiety forums (not sure if I'm allowed to post links so just contact me if you want them!)