101. Reclaim Your Social Life: Expert Tips to Beat Anxiety with Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann

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Breaking Free from Social Anxiety: Secrets to Confidence

School is back in session and social anxiety can get very real, very fast. But what if you had a way to overcome social anxiety and lead with confidence?

In this episode, Leslie is joined by Dr. Stephan G. Hoffman, a leading expert in social anxiety and cognitive behavioral therapy. Together, we delve into the complexities of the various forms of social anxiety, social anxiety disorder, how it overlaps with other disorders like depression, and the significant impact it can have on one's life.

The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the problem and seeking effective treatment, whether through self-help methods, online platforms, or professional therapy.

If you're a teen or young adult experiencing social anxiety, or a parent wanting to support your child, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate and overcome social anxiety.

Today we discuss:

07:24  Understanding Social Anxiety

12:40  Symptoms and Expressions of Social Anxiety

17:42  Seeking Help for Social Anxiety

25:55  The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

32:19  Individual Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety

40:57  Navigating Social Media to Your Advantage

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Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann

Dr. Hofmann is a German born clinical psychologist practicing in both the U.S. and Germany, currently is the Alexander von Humboldt Professor at Philipps University of Marburg (Germany).

As a renown researcher, clinician and professor of anxiety disorders, he is also known for his leadership in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is the editor of Cognitive Therapy and Research. He has received numerous awards, including the Aaron T. Beck Award for Significant and Enduring Contributions to the Field of Cognitive Therapy and the Humboldt Research Award.

In 2023, he received the Career/Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and has been named a Highly Cited Researcher every year since 2015.  

He was an advisor to the DSM-5 Development Process. He has published more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific articles and 20 books.

Links mentioned in this episode:

CBT for Social Anxiety: Simple Skills for Overcoming Fear and Enjoying People

Dr. Hofmann’s Amazon Page

The website of the organizations I mentioned are:

Social Anxiety Resources:

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Anxiety & Depression Association of America

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