Course 3 (ICT-SA)- Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety: Finding Relief from Social Fears

Number of Sessions

12 sessions

Duration

12 weeks (1 session per week, 1 hour per session)

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will:

1.     Understand Social Anxiety and Its Impact

• Learn how social anxiety manifests as fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in various situations.
• Recognize examples of social anxiety in modern and Islamic contexts, such as:
  • Avoiding public speaking or group settings due to fear of negative evaluation.
  • Overthinking after social interactions, worrying about others’ perceptions.
  • Anxiety during job applications or interviews, impacting career opportunities.
  • Struggling with group work, presentations, or participation at university or school.
  • Fear of making mistakes while leading prayer (Imam role) or reciting Quran publicly.
  • Avoiding Islamic gatherings or social obligations out of fear of criticism.
  • Hesitation in asking questions during Islamic lessons or classes due to fear of embarrassment.
• Modern Contexts:
• Islamic Contexts:

2.     Identify the Cognitive and Behavioural Cycle of Social Anxiety

• Understand how distorted thoughts (e.g., “Everyone will think I’m incompetent”) trigger avoidance behaviours, reinforcing anxiety.
• Recognize the physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., sweating, trembling) and how they maintain fear in social situations.

3.     Explore the Broader Impact of Social Anxiety

• Understand how social anxiety affects individuals' ability to:
• Secure employment, leading to economic challenges.
• Participate actively in education, hindering personal and professional growth.
• Engage in community roles, limiting their contributions to the Muslim ummah.

4.     Apply Therapeutic Tools from the Quran and Sunnah

• Use Islamic principles of humility (tawadhu’), balance (wasatiyyah), and seeking help to address social fears.
• Explore Quranic stories and prophetic examples of courage in the face of social challenges, such as Musa’s (peace be upon him) prayer for confidence before addressing Pharaoh (Quran 20:25-28).
• Reflect on the role of shura (consultation) and active participation in community as part of Islamic guidance.

5.     Develop CBT-Based Skills for Managing Social Anxiety

• Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge unhelpful thoughts, such as:
• Reframing “I’ll embarrass myself at the interview” into “This is an opportunity to grow, and my effort is what counts.”
• Behavioural Experiments: Gradually practice feared social situations, such as:
• Role-playing interviews or participating in group discussions.
• Attending Islamic events and reflecting on personal growth.
• Relaxation Techniques: Use grounding exercises combined with Quranic reflection to manage anxiety symptoms.

6.     Rebuild Confidence in Social and Religious Roles

• Develop strategies to balance personal and professional responsibilities while engaging in meaningful interactions.
• Embrace the importance of seeking knowledge and contributing to the ummah as a source of confidence and purpose.

7.     Support Yourself and Others

• Recognize the impact of social anxiety on loved ones’ lives, offering compassionate, faith-aligned support.
• Learn tools to encourage gradual progress in social and professional contexts.

Module Description

This module integrates modern Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles with therapeutic tools from the Quran and Sunnah to provide a comprehensive approach to managing social anxiety. Participants will explore how social anxiety affects daily life, including struggles with public speaking, job interviews, participation in education, and engaging in religious and community roles.

The course provides evidence-based techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and relaxation exercises, combined with Islamic principles of courage, humility, and community engagement. Participants will discover how Quranic stories, prophetic guidance, and faith-based values can inspire resilience in overcoming social fears.

The module emphasizes actionable steps for building confidence, managing fears, and fostering meaningful contributions to personal and community growth. Whether struggling with anxiety in modern or Islamic settings, attendees will leave equipped with tools to navigate challenges with confidence and faith.

Who Is It For?

• Therapists: Learn how to incorporate Islamic principles into CBT for clients managing social anxiety.
• Caregivers: Gain tools to support loved ones struggling with social anxiety in professional, educational, or religious contexts.
• Educators: Understand the impact of social anxiety on students and develop strategies to foster their participation and growth.
• Community Members: Build self-awareness and explore practical tools to manage personal struggles with social anxiety and support others in their journey.

This module is ideal for anyone seeking to understand social anxiety’s impact on individuals and the community, using an integrated approach rooted in Islamic teachings and modern Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.