Social Ease:
A Social Anxiety Group
The evidence-based education, skills, and compassion
to help you raise your quality of life
despite social anxiety.
Ever felt like your life could be so much more if it wasn’t for social anxiety? You're not alone.
What if I told you I could teach you a new way of engaging? One with social ease instead of social anxiety?
Those moments that sweat your palms could become opportunities for genuine connection and personal growth.
From Surviving to Thriving
I used to be someone who dreaded any human interactions, even those in my mind. The thought of navigating parties, gift exchanges, networking, marketing, and small talk left me in cold sweats. I tried to muscle through, convinced I was one awkward moment away from social disaster. I still remember feeling stuck, doomed to cringe after every interaction I had, not realizing that I could actually change that reflex.
But then, everything changed.
The ACT Revolution
Enter the six principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These weren't just feel-good buzzwords – they were the keys to unlocking a whole new social experience.
Now? I actually look forward to connections. I believe my “symptoms of anxiety” are related to the importance of the connection, and I am excited AND nervous instead of scared and unworthy. (Yes, you read that right!)
Your Roadmap to Social Ease
This group isn't about slapping on a fake smile. It's about real, lasting change. We'll dive into:
1. Acceptance: Embracing the internal chaos (yes, even that inner-critic)
2. Defusion: Unhooking from those pesky "what if" thoughts and persistent doubt
3. Present-Moment Awareness: Savoring the good stuff (to feel good, we need to learn how to let good in)
4. Self-as-Context: Discovering the "you" beyond the holiday stress (we are more than one moment or mistake)
5. Values: Reconnecting with what truly matters (these guiding principles to “why” you connect with others)
6. Committed Action: Taking steps towards the holiday experience you want (bravery is acting despite fear after all)
More Than Just Theory
This isn't some dusty textbook approach. I've lived it, breathed it, and seen it transform lives – from my own socializing to my clients' breakthrough moments.
Your Invitation to Social Ease
Imagine actually enjoying that office party. Picture yourself laughing freely at family dinners. Envision a season filled with warmth instead of worry.
It's not about becoming a different person. It's about unlocking the best version of yourself – the one who can find meaning and joy even in the midst of the internal chaos you feel today.
The average length of time before people get therapy is 15-20 YEARS! Are you ready to end your delay?
Let's begin this journey together! (this takes you to the contact page where you can use any scheduling option for your FREE 15-minute strategy call. This is the first step to getting into the group unless you’d like to first begin by email).
Facilitated by Matt Bedell, LPC-S, LCDC, EMDR Trained. For more information about Matt, click here
What are the details?
Time: I’m gathering feedback to choose the best time to meet. The three options are Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The final day will be a group decision on which works best.
When does it start?: The first group will begin during the week of March 10, 2024.
How long will it be?: There will be 8 group meetings in total. The first 6 will consist of 20 minutes of education on an ACT principle (listed above) and 40 minutes of processing to help people apply the knowledge and build self-worth. The final 2 will have 20 minutes of education on social anxiety followed by 40 minutes of processing.
Location: Zoom. While in-person may be possible in the future, I’m starting where research shows the least resistance: virtual meetings.
Group Size: No more than 10 people. We will begin when we have at least 3 group members.
What’s included?: One week before the group begins, you’ll receive an email with a PDF workbook we will use as we work through each week. There’s going to be education throughout the workbook, including a list of skills at the end, kind of like a table of coping (instead of a table of contents)
Population: Anyone experiencing social anxiety. Ages are 14+ for adolescents and 18+ for adults. If vast age ranges occur, we may break up groups further. Let’s chat and see what works!
Cost: $35 per group, a total of $280.
Discounts: If paid in full by February 16 - $250 total
If paid in full by February 23 - $260 total
If paid in full by March 2 - $270 total
If paid on or after March 3 - $280 total
You’re welcome to pay $35 per session each week, although there is a contract that you’ll be charged $35 each week for 8 weeks if you drop out.