definitive list of books on social anxiety
Looking for books on social anxiety to help you feel better? Although going to therapy can cost hundreds of dollars a month, books written by psychologists and other mental health professionals can be a great and inexpensive way to get help.
Some of the best books on social anxiety include “How to Be Yourself” by Ellen Hendriksen, “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Edmund Bourne, and “The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris. These books offer different perspectives on social anxiety and its causes, as well as specific tips and exercises to help you overcome your fears.
You are reading: Best books about social anxiety
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together a list of recommendations for you below. once you find a few that look promising, check them out at your local library, pick them up at your favorite local bookstore, or buy them through an online retailer like amazon.
what if you want to read them all? I would recommend subscribing to an audiobook subscription service like Amazon Audible. I myself have a subscription and love to be curating a library of books that I can listen to over and over again. you can get a 30-day free trial here and start listening to your first book right away.
1. how to be yourself by susan cain
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
It can be hard to know how to “be yourself” if you have social anxiety; after all, part of the problem is that he is afraid of being judged by others. In this book, psychologist Ellen Hendriksen offers practical advice for overcoming your fears and learning to accept yourself.
dr. hendriksen lives with social anxiety and has dedicated his career to helping others. In “How To Be Yourself” he shares his own personal experiences as well as the latest scientific research on social anxiety.
(Check out the video below to hear Dr. Hendriksen talk about social anxiety!)
2. overcome social anxiety step by step by thomas richards
Overcome Social Anxiety Step-by-Step
dr. Thomas Richards is the director of the Social Anxiety Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been treating social anxiety for more than 25 years. In his book, he provides a step-by-step guide to overcoming social anxiety disorder, including how to identify and challenge the negative thoughts that fuel his fears. he also offers advice on how to develop self-confidence and assertiveness skills.
dr. Richards has lived with social anxiety, so he knows what you’re going through and can offer you valuable insights and advice. If he is looking for a comprehensive guide to overcoming social anxiety, this is the book for you.
3. The Shyness And Social Anxiety Workbook By Martin M. Antonio and Ricardo P. swinson
The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook is one of the most popular and best-reviewed books on social anxiety. It’s written by two clinical psychologists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, so you can be sure it’s based on sound scientific principles.
The book is divided into two parts: The first part focuses on helping you understand your social anxiety and how it might be affecting your life. the second part is made up of a variety of exercises and activities that you can use to start working on your social anxiety.
4. living fully with shyness and social anxiety by erika hilliard
Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety
erika hilliard is a therapist who specializes in treating social anxiety and is also someone who has lived with social anxiety. Living fully with shyness and social anxiety, she offers readers an up-close and compassionate look at what it’s like to live with social anxiety.
The book includes chapters on topics such as understanding your social anxiety, learning to deal with anxiety-provoking situations, and building self-confidence. hilliard also includes a resource section for more help and information.
5. overcoming social anxiety and shyness by gillian butler
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Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness
gillian butler is a psychologist who has written a number of popular self-help books, including how to overcome shyness and social anxiety. This book takes a cognitive-behavioral approach to social anxiety, meaning it focuses on changing the way you think and behave to reduce your anxiety.
butler starts by helping you understand what social anxiety is and how it affects your life. She then provides a variety of exercises and techniques that you can use to start overcoming your social anxiety. The book also includes chapters on topics such as dealing with perfectionism and improving your self-esteem.
6. the social skills guide by chris macleod
The Social Skills Guidebook: Manage Shyness, Improve Your Conversations, and Make Friends Without Giving Up Who You Are
The Social Skills Guide is written by Chris Macleod, based on his personal experience of overcoming social anxiety. Macleod is a self-proclaimed “social skills geek” who has spent years studying and practicing the art of socializing.
The book aims to help people with social anxiety learn how to make friends, have successful conversations, and feel more confident in social situations. Macleod also talks about how to be yourself and not end up feeling like you’re faking it or faking it.
7. shyness & social anxiety workbook for teens by jennifer shannon
The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help you Build Social Confidence
shyness & The Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens is written by Jennifer Shannon, a licensed therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. the book is designed specifically for teens struggling with social anxiety.
shannon begins by helping readers understand what social anxiety is and how it might affect them. it then offers a variety of exercises and activities teens can use to start working on their social anxiety. The book also includes chapters on topics like dating and social networking, and ways to boost your self-confidence.
8. rewire your anxious brain by catherine pittman and elizabeth karle
Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic & Worry
Rewire Your Anxious Brain is written by Catherine Pittman, psychologist, and Elizabeth Karle, writer. The book is based on the latest scientific research on anxiety and the brain, and provides readers with a step-by-step guide to understanding and addressing their anxiety.
pittman and karle start by helping readers understand how the brain works when anxious, and then provide a variety of exercises and activities that can help rewire the brain. The book includes chapters on topics such as managing stress, developing a healthy lifestyle, and using mindfulness to control anxiety.
9. things can go terribly wrong by kelly wilson & troy dufrene
Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong
Things Can Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong is written by Kelly Wilson, professor of psychology, and Troy Dufrene, psychotherapist and author. the book takes the position that rather than trying to get rid of anxiety, it is more helpful to learn to live with it.
This approach to anxiety management has its roots in Buddhism and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. The book includes a variety of exercises and activities that readers can use to begin to accept their anxiety and learn to live with it. Wilson and Dufrene also provide advice on coping with difficult thoughts and feelings and building a meaningful life despite anxiety.
10. anxiety & worries workbook by david clark and aaron beck
The Anxiety & Worry Workbook
anxiety & The Worry Workbook is written by David Clark, professor of psychology, and Aaron Beck, psychiatrist and founder of cognitive therapy. The book is based on cognitive therapy techniques, which aim to help people understand and change their thoughts and beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
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Clark and Beck provide a variety of exercises and activities that readers can use to begin changing their thoughts and beliefs about anxiety. The book also includes chapters on topics such as managing stress, managing panic attacks, and developing a healthy lifestyle.
11. the anxiety workbook
The Anxiety Workbook
I wrote this book in 2017 and it is now available on amazon. The Anxiety Workbook is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing anxiety.
The book includes chapters on the different types of anxiety, how to identify your triggers, and strategies for managing anxiety. I also provide a variety of exercises and activities that readers can use to start managing their anxiety.
12. The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Social Anxiety & Shyness by Jan Fleming and Nancy Kocovski
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Social Anxiety & Shyness
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Social Anxiety and Shyness is written by Jan Fleming, psychologist, and Nancy Kocovski, professor of psychology. The book is based on the principles of mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and includes step-by-step exercises and activities that readers can use to begin managing their social anxiety. Fleming and Kocovski provide advice on coping with difficult thoughts and feelings, and help readers learn to accept themselves and their social anxiety.
13. In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing by Janet Esposito
In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing
This book is based on the author’s personal experience and professional experience over the years successfully helping people overcome their fear of public speaking. the book is designed to help anyone, from beginners to experienced speakers, get rid of stage fright for good.
The book begins with an overview of stage fright, its causes, and how it manifests itself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Janet Esposito then provides readers with a step-by-step program for overcoming their fear of public speaking. The program includes exercises and activities designed to help people understand and manage their anxiety.
14. the solution to social anxiety: break free from the shyness that holds you back by aziz gazipura
The Solution to Social Anxiety
The Solution to Social Anxiety is written by Aziz Gazipura, Clinical Psychologist. The book is written primarily for men to help them speak assertively, advance their careers, stop worrying about what people think, and become more charming. this book also delves into how men can be more successful with women by improving their social skills.
15. the self confidence workbook by barbara markway and celia ampel
The Self Confidence Workbook
the self-confidence workbook offers practical advice on self-acceptance and self-compassion. includes a 5-step program, interactive exercises, and a guide to understanding self-confidence. The book is written by Barbara Markway, a clinical psychologist, and Celia Ampel, a journalist.
16. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Doubt
The trust gap is based on the principles of mindfulness and acceptance. Written by therapist and trainer Russ Harris, the book offers a different approach to managing anxiety, one that is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and accepting. If you have ever struggled with your social anxiety or tried to control it without success, this book offers you an alternative path to recovery.
Whatever book you choose, remember to sign up for audible to get your first free audiobook. audible has the world’s largest selection of audiobooks, plus podcasts, original series and more. With Audible, you can listen on the go, while exercising, or wherever you are. And with the free Audible app, you can listen to your favorite audiobooks anytime, anywhere. sign up and start listening for free now!
Do you have a favorite book or resource for overcoming shyness or social anxiety? let me know in the comments!
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