Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) 

Module Overview:

This module focuses on Social Anxiety Disorder ( SAD) as a debilitating mental disorder marked by intense fear in common social situations where one expects to be judged or evaluated by others. Participants will undergo a step-by-step process that will take them to a deeper understanding of cognitive and behavioral mechanisms in SAD, with further development of techniques in the state-of-the-art CBT treatment tailored to needs.

Evidence-based techniques from the cognitive model of social anxiety by David Clark are incorporated throughout the course and enable clients to modify negative self-perceptions and reduce self-focused attention. It also integrates recent research findings, such as the advances in cognitive-behavioral techniques to improve treatment outcomes.

Workshops highlight the most powerful interventions: behavioral experiments, video feedback, and imagery rescripting in countering negative cognitions and engendering social confidence. The current module covers the management of generalized anxiety and depression as co-occurring disorders.

Through skills training, clinical supervision, and research-informed education, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to competently assess, formulate, and treat SAD in a range of clinical settings.

 

Module Aims

This module aims to:

Provide an in-depth understanding of the core features, maintenance mechanisms, and consequences of SAD.

Enable participants to know and apply advanced CBT procedures for SAD.

Improve participants' skills in formulating individualized treatment plans and managing common comorbidities such as generalized anxiety and depression.

Encourage critical consideration of current research evidence into practice.

Learning Outcomes

Specific Skills

By the end of the module, participants will be able to:

Analyse and describe the diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and phenomenology of SAD.

Critically consider the cognitive models for SAD, such as self-focused attention and distorted social beliefs.

Design and implement individual CBT treatment plans for clients with SAD.

Deliver evidence-based interventions: video feedback, imagery rescripting, and behavioral experiments.

Identify comorbid conditions, including generalized anxiety and depression within SAD, and competently address these conditions.

Professional Practice

Apply CBT modalities to a range of diverse populations and settings while maintaining a client-centered focus.

Utilize current research to guide practice with the purpose of enhancing therapeutic outcome.

Reflect on one's own therapeutic competencies and develop a plan for professional growth.

Personal and Key Skills

Communicate complex clinical concepts in both written and verbal formats.

Collaborate with clients to reduce avoidance behaviors and increase social confidence.

Module Content

1. Introduction to Social Anxiety Disorder

Definition and core features: fear of embarrassment, avoidance of social situations, heightened self-consciousness.

Diagnostic criteria ICD-11/DSM-5 and differentiation of SAD from normal shyness.

Epidemiological trends and cultural factors in the presentation of SAD.

2. Cognitive Model of Social Anxiety

David Clark's Cognitive Model:

Role of self-focused attention in the maintenance of anxiety.

The role of negative self-imagery in affecting behavior.

Catastrophic interpretations of social events.

Maintenance cycles: How avoidance and safety behaviors perpetuate anxiety.

 

3. Advanced CBT Interventions

Behavioral Experiments:

Testing negative predictions about social situations.

Reducing safety behaviors in order to allow natural engagement.

Video Feedback:

Assisting clients in developing a more realistic view of their social performance.

Challenging distorted views of the self.

Imagery Rescripting:

Altering negative memories from past social traumas.

Creating positive, empowering imagery for future situations.

Attention Training:

Shifting focus away from internal monitoring to external cues.

Cognitive Restructuring:

Identifying and challenging distorted social beliefs.

Developing healthier self-appraisals.

4. Managing Co-Occurring Disorders

Addressing overlapping symptoms with generalized anxiety and depression.

Adapting interventions to address broader cognitive and emotional challenges.

5. Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Management

Developing strategies to maintain progress and prevent setbacks.

Encourage clients to establish realistic goals regarding continued social involvement.

 

Teaching Methodology

Workshops: Interactive training with the use of role-playing, video analysis, and practical exercises.

Clinical Supervision: Guided practice to enhance therapeutic techniques.

Case Studies: Exploration of real-world examples to develop formulation skills.

Research Integration: Incorporation of the latest findings on SAD interventions.

Assessment

Participants will be assessed via:

Case conceptualization assignments with a focus on the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms underlying SAD.

Video recordings of therapy sessions which are reflectively appraised.

Workshop/role-play participation to demonstrate practical application.

 

Recommended Reading and Resources

A comprehensive list of references will be provided in the course handouts and will be shared with participants upon registration.