Social Anxiety
When other people’s opinions feel dangerous, and how to stop hiding
Eduardo Florez, LMHC #MH23066 · October 7, 2026 · 4-min read
Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Anxiety & OCD →
“Everyone is going to think I’m stupid.”
“I rehearse phone calls before I make them.”
“I canceled again. I just couldn’t.”
“I need a drink to get through parties.”
Social anxiety is more than being shy.
It’s an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected. And it can make your world very small.
What social anxiety is
With social anxiety, everyday situations feel like tests you might fail.
- Meetings and speaking up
- Phone calls
- Parties, dates and small talk
- Eating or working in front of others
- Meeting new people
Your body reacts too: blushing, shaking, sweating, a racing heart, a blank mind.
And afterward, you may replay every word for hours.
Why it keeps going
Avoiding feels like relief. But each time you avoid, your brain learns the situation really was dangerous.
People also lean on quiet “safety moves”: staying silent, holding a phone, sticking next to one person, drinking. They feel helpful, but they keep the fear in charge.
If you’re using alcohol or other substances to get through social situations, that’s worth talking about. It’s very common, and it can slowly become its own problem.
Tired of hiding from people?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
What helps
Social anxiety is very treatable. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has strong research behind it.
Understanding the fear. What exactly do you expect will happen? How likely is it, really?
Facing it in steps. We build a ladder, from easy to hard, and climb it at a pace you agree to.
Dropping safety moves. Little by little, you learn you can handle it without them.
Being kinder to yourself after. Less replaying, less self-attack.
Some people also take medication prescribed by a doctor. I don’t prescribe, but I’m glad to work with your doctor.
Social anxiety and your relationship
Partners often become the social buffer. They make the calls, do the talking, and go to events alone.
That can feel loving at first. Over time, it can feel lonely or unfair to them, and shrinking to you.
You may also worry your partner is secretly judging you, and ask for reassurance a lot.
In couples sessions, your partner learns how to support you without doing it all for you. You get to share more of life together again.
If conflict in your relationship includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one partner controlling the other’s money, phone or movements, that’s not a communication problem. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.
How I work
I listen closely to your words. “Everyone will notice.” “I’ll make a fool of myself.” “They’re just being nice.” Those sentences show me exactly what the fear predicts.
Video sessions can be a gentle place to start. And some practice can happen in real life, right where the anxiety shows up.
You might recognize yourself here
- You avoid phone calls or let them go to voicemail.
- You dread meetings where you might have to speak.
- You plan what to say, then replay what you said.
- You turn down invitations, then feel lonely.
- You blush, shake or go blank in front of people.
- You drink to feel comfortable around others.
Who this work is for
- Adults in Florida with social anxiety or intense shyness
- People whose fear of judgment is holding back work or love
- Couples where one partner carries all the social load
- Spanish-speaking or bilingual adults and couples
Booking online is a fine first step. You don’t have to call.
Who this isn’t for
I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If there is violence, threats or control in the relationship, start with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, not couples therapy.
Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.
Start in the easiest way
No phone call needed.
You can start with one sentence:
“I’m scared of what people think of me.”
We can start there.
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español
In crisis? Call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Is social anxiety the same as being introverted?
No. Introverts may prefer quiet, but they don’t necessarily fear judgment. Social anxiety is about fear, not preference.
Will I have to do scary things?
Only step by step, and only steps you agree to. You stay in charge of the pace.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.
How much does therapy cost?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.
When can I start?
Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.
Eduardo Florez, LMHC
Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.
Related reading: Why I Replay Conversations · Panic Attacks · Why I Apologize for Everything
Ready to talk to someone?
ShieldMee offers telehealth therapy across Florida for individuals, couples, and families. Insurance accepted through Headway.
Start TherapyIf you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time.