[Rio_]

Has anyone here done this? What did you think of it? I'm just about to start, and I'm a bit scared - sounds like it should be helpful, though.

[Perna]

Found a good Web guide: http://www.healthyplace.com/Communit...re_therapy.asp

Good luck! Does sound exciting but scary at the same time. I have found when I'm scared that I'm less scared with younger people around me I have to "protect" or show how to do something or friends I believe to be more afraid than I am? You might try that if you have any nieces or nephews, take them out somewhere for a meal or something and have to be "in charge."

I saw a show on TV a month or two ago on virtual reality exposure therapy, have you heard about that? http://www.virtuallybetter.com/

[Rio_]

Thanks, Perna! That's a good idea...unfortunately none of my younger relatives live anywhere near me, though! (Other than my sister, but she finds social situations a lot easier so she wouldn't need protected. )

I hadn't heard about that, it sounds great! Thanks for the link.

[Parker10]

Hi Rio. I went through exposure therapy years ago. I had a T that was with me, and she took me to places I had been avoiding (I was agoraphobic), and each time we went it got easier and easier. Then we moved on to another place I had avoided. I would assume since your's is social anxiety, you will be going into settings somewhat different than those I went into (mine we like grocery stores, lines in a bank, drive thru windows for take out, movie theaters, etc), but it would work on the same premise. It really helped me tremendously !!!

After my therapy with the In Vivo therapists (thats what a person is called who takes people out), I became licensed to do that, and since 1990 have been doing so with folks who have agoraphobia, or avoidance issues. I have taken folks just about anywhere you can think of. It is a bit scary at first, since you are already in the mindset that it will be, but keep in mind that they are just thoughts ! Good luck, and please keep us posted ! If I can be of help - feel free to PM me anytime.

[Rio_]

Thanks, Parker10. That's great it helped so much with you! I think mine are mostly going to involve telephones and places in school (I'm probably going to have to go into the dining room, which I'm not looking forward to at all because I haven't been there in years... ).

That's a good point, thanks! And thanks again, I'll bear that in mind.