Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Social Anxiety

Apr 30, 2019

Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Yourself, shares her insights on conquering social anxiety. She discusses the dual nature of social anxiety, how it can foster empathy, and the neuroscience behind it. Ellen emphasizes the importance of facing fears to change brain responses and combat the negative effects of avoidance. Practical tools for managing the inner critic and practicing self-compassion are highlighted, offering strategies to transform social interactions for the better.

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INSIGHT

Social Anxiety's Silver Lining

Social anxiety, while challenging, often comes with positive traits like empathy and conscientiousness.
These strengths persist even as anxiety lessens.

INSIGHT

The Opposite of Anxiety

The opposite of social anxiety isn't confidence, but psychopathy, marked by a lack of empathy and disregard for others.
A little social anxiety is normal and promotes introspection and growth.

INSIGHT

Brain Response Differences

In perceived social threats, brains of those with social anxiety have a slower, less robust response than others'.
This lag allows for more negative thoughts and 'freaking out'.

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Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist who helps millions calm their anxiety and be their authentic selves through her award-winning podcast, The Savvy Psychologist, and in the clinic at Boston University’s Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. In this episode, she and Eric discuss her debut book is, How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety. If you suffer from social anxiety, you will learn a lot of practical tools to use to help you overcome it and suffer less.

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In This Interview, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen and I Discuss…

Her book, How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
The positive qualities that often accompany social anxiety in a person
That the opposite of social anxiety is actually psychopathy
The neuroscience of social anxiety
How if you face your fears you can change your brain
The problematic nature of avoidance when it comes to social anxiety
Overt avoidance
Covert avoidance
Thinking that the worst case scenario is a foregone conclusion
Avoidance means we never see what actually happens
The inner critic
The buckets that the Inner Critic likes to attack: Appearance, the Signs of Anxiety Themselves, Social Skills, One’s Entire Personality
Social Anxiety Mad Libs: When I ______, it will become obvious that I _______
The tool, Replace
Anxiety is vague – ask, what particular thing are you afraid of?
4 Magic Questions: What’s the worst that can happen? How bad is that? What are the odds that the worst case scenario will actually happen? How will I cope?/What will I do?
The tool, Embrace
The role of mindfulness in anxiety
Making your inner world a kinder, more hospitable environment
Self-compassion
Creating structure in our social situations – giving yourself a mission to fulfill, a purpose, a goal

Dr. Ellen Hendrisken Links:

ellenhendriksen.com

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