Overcoming Social Anxiety with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Understanding Social Anxiety in IFS

Social anxiety often stems from exiled parts carrying past experiences of rejection, embarrassment, or shame. Protectors step in to prevent further hurt by avoiding interactions, overthinking conversations, or creating critical self-talk. While protective, these strategies reinforce isolation.

Self-Energy and Social Confidence

IFS therapy helps clients connect with Self-energy, the calm and compassionate core, which provides safety and confidence. By engaging anxious protectors with curiosity, these parts begin to soften and allow more authentic connection.

Practical Applications

In sessions, clients practice dialoguing with anxious parts, uncovering their protective motives, and offering compassion to exiles carrying shame. This process reduces self-consciousness and allows more freedom in social interactions.

Benefits of IFS for Social Anxiety

Clients often report greater ease in social situations, reduced fear of judgment, and more fulfilling relationships. Healing comes from befriending the parts that once felt unsafe.

Call to Action
IFS therapy can support your healing journey. Book a session today.

References

• Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). A cognitive model of social phobia. In R. G. Heimberg (Ed.), Social phobia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment (pp. 69–93). Guilford Press.

• Schwartz, R. C., & Sweezy, M. (2019). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.