Understanding Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than shyness. It can show up as a racing heart before a staff meeting, replaying a conversation for hours afterward, or turning down invitations just to avoid the discomfort of being watched or judged. For some people it centres on public speaking. For others it shows up in everyday moments, like ordering at a counter or making small talk with a neighbour.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. Social anxiety is one of the most common concerns we see at Simply Be Counselling, and it responds well to the right support.
How Social Anxiety Therapy Can Help
Therapy for social anxiety focuses on understanding the specific thoughts and physical sensations that show up in social situations, then building practical tools to manage them. This often includes cognitive strategies for reframing anxious thoughts, grounding techniques for the physical symptoms, and gradual, paced exposure to the situations you have been avoiding.
Jason integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Polyvagal Theory into this work, which helps address both the mental patterns and the nervous system responses behind social anxiety, especially when past experiences are part of the picture.
What Social Anxiety Therapy Looks Like
Getting to know you
Building practical tools
Growing your confidence
Meet Your Care Team
Jason Normand, MC, MPCC, Clinical Counsellor
Jason is an experienced professional counsellor with a Masters degree in Counselling. His specialities include anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and loss, and trauma. He is trained in EMDR and Psychological First Aid, and takes a mindfulness based approach that integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and somatic techniques to calm the body and mind.
Leanne Normand, MC, RPC
Leanne holds a Master of Counselling degree and is a Registered Professional Counsellor with the CPCA. She helps clients working through anxiety, depression, mood issues, stress, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, offering trauma informed, culturally sensitive counselling in a safe and welcoming space in Melfort.
Ms. Cassandra Davis, RPC-C
Cassandra's niche is working with adoptees, couples, and addiction. She graduated from Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, is registered with the CPCA, and volunteers as a counsellor with Youth Matters Canada.
Sessions with any of our counsellors are available in person at our Wellness Centre location in Melfort, SK, or virtually anywhere in Saskatchewan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Social anxiety therapy is counselling focused on the fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations. It typically combines cognitive strategies, grounding techniques, and gradual exposure to help you feel more comfortable around others.
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to book a session. Many clients come in simply knowing that social situations feel harder than they would like, and we work from there.
Yes. We offer virtual sessions across Saskatchewan as well as in person appointments in Melfort. Both options are confidential and effective for most clients.
This varies by person, but many clients notice a difference in how they think about social situations within a few sessions, with continued growth as new skills are practiced in real life.
Feel More Comfortable Being Yourself Around Others
Book your first appointment with one of our counsellors and start building confidence in social situations.
Simply Be Counselling
105-312 Stovel Ave W. (Wellness Centre),Melfort, SK
S0E 1A0 View Staff & Treatments
