Confidence Without “Fixing Yourself”
So much of the advice on building confidence is about fixing yourself. Working harder. Learning more. Building social skills. While these things can be useful, for many people, this leads them into a never ending cycle of obsession. Nothing is ever enough. You never feel you measure up. I believe our struggles actually come from trying too hard. It’s time to let go and let ourselves be.
Tired of Being Anxious ?
Social Anxiety is not taken nearly as seriously as it should be. Social anxiety is not simply “shyness,” it is an immense fear of being perceived by others. This fear can become absolutely crippling and can hold us back from living a full life. Almost anything we do requires us to be around people; work, dating, networking, making friends, even going to the grocery store. When we are consumed by social anxiety, the simplest tasks can seem impossible.
Social anxiety isn’t just the fear of talking to people either, it is the fear of being judged in any way. That is why often times the most painful aspect of social anxiety isn’t even the socializing itself; it’s the shame, guilt, embarrassment, and rumination that occurs before and after a social situation. This can also lead to immense feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In our work together we will first figure out our starting point. Everyone’s social anxiety looks a little different and has different triggers. I don’t believe in immediately throwing someone into a stressful social situation without figuring out where they are at first. Of course, exposure to our fears will be part of the work, but it is always gradual. It is just as important that we explore your inner world so we can get a sense of the underlying causes of your fear and shame. For a complete breakdown of the way I work, feel free to check out the “My Philosophy” section at the top of the page.
Book an Appointment
The first step is showing up. It’s understandable to be unsure or have questions before starting, which is why we offer a free 15 minute consultation.
Hourly sessions start at $200. I am currently in network with Aetna. All other insurances I am out of network. I will provide a superbly after services are rendered so you can submit to you insurance for reimbursement. You must live in NY or NJ for us to meet. All appointments are virtual.
Virtual Public Speaking Lab
Is your fear of public speaking preventing you from moving up at work or passing a class?
In this virtual group lab, you’ll learn practical ways to manage fear during presentations and more importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to practice speaking in real time in a supportive environment.
You can bring:
An upcoming presentation
A made-up topic
Or simply observe if that’s what you’re ready for
We begin with a short skill of the week (eye contact, voice projection, pacing, etc.), followed by 3–5 minute speaking opportunities for those who want to participate. You’ll also have the option to give and receive supportive feedback to others.
There is no requirement to speak if you’re not ready.
Sessions take place Saturday at 1:00 PM EST.
How Scheduling Works
To keep the lab intimate, effective, and worth everyone’s time:
Minimum group size: 5 participants
Maximum group size: 10 participants
Session times are tentative until the minimum of 5 participants is reached. Once the group fills:
The session time is confirmed
You’ll receive a confirmation email with final details
Your spot is fully secured
This ensures that every session has enough people for meaningful interaction — without becoming overwhelming.
Submit your name and email and you will be added to the waiting list! once a group is fully formed you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time.
If a session does not reach the minimum:
Your spot automatically rolls to the next available session
No action is needed on your end
About Me
I am a Clinical Social Worker who is licensed in NY and NJ. I struggled many years with social anxiety. I nearly failed out of college due to my fear of attending classes. I believe my personal experience as well as my training as a therapist helps me have a unique understanding of the true struggle and impact social anxiety can have on our life.
I grew up in New York and have been a die hard Mets and Jets fan my entire life. I might also reference Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm more than necessary during our meetings. I look forward to working with you!
Contact Me
Interested in working together but have some questions before you begin? No problem! Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly to discuss any concerns you may have. Looking forward to hearing from you!