Social Anxiety Therapist in London

This directory brings together therapists in London who work with social anxiety. You can search by approach, availability and session type, including online, if the idea of walking into a consulting room feels like too much right now.

What is social anxiety therapy?

Social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged, scrutinised or humiliated in social situations. It goes well beyond ordinary shyness. People often describe rehearsing conversations beforehand, monitoring themselves closely while talking, and then replaying everything afterwards looking for what went wrong. Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating and a shaking voice frequently become part of the fear.

The most researched treatment is CBT, which targets both the self-focused attention and the safety behaviours that keep the anxiety going. Those behaviours, such as avoiding eye contact, over-preparing or staying near the exit, feel protective but prevent you from discovering that the feared outcome does not happen. Other approaches, including psychodynamic and compassion focused therapy, work with the shame and early experiences underneath.

Social anxiety therapists in London at a glance

Based on the therapist profiles listed on The Therapist Finder. Fees were last reviewed in July 2026.

• The median fee is £81.25 a session, with most charging between £70 and £107.5.
• Fees run from £42.5 to £245, so it is worth comparing a few profiles rather than assuming a single going rate.
• Most of the therapists listed here are currently accepting new clients, though this changes as people fill up.

What to expect from social anxiety therapy

A therapist will usually start by mapping out specific situations rather than talking in generalities: what you feared would happen, what you did to manage it, and what actually occurred. Many people are surprised how much of the anxiety is maintained by the coping strategies themselves.

The work often includes trying things out between sessions, gradually and by agreement. That might mean holding eye contact a little longer, or deliberately not rehearsing before a call. Sessions themselves are also useful data, since talking to a therapist is a social situation. A good one will notice this and use it gently rather than ignoring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does social anxiety therapy cost in London?

Across the therapists on the directory who work with social anxiety, the median fee is around £81 a session and most charge between £70 and £108. Fees run from around £43 to £245.

Is social anxiety just shyness?

No. Shyness is a temperament and does not usually stop people doing what they want. Social anxiety involves persistent fear of judgement that narrows life, often affecting work, friendships and everyday tasks such as phone calls or ordering food.

Would online therapy be easier if I find face to face difficult?

Many people with social anxiety start online for exactly that reason, and it works. Some later move to in person sessions as part of the therapy itself. Either is a legitimate place to begin.

How long does therapy for social anxiety take?

Focused CBT for social anxiety often runs to around 14 to 16 sessions. Where the anxiety is long standing or tied to earlier experiences of being humiliated or excluded, longer work frequently does more.

Will I be made to do things that terrify me?

No. Anything you try is agreed with you and built up gradually. The aim is to work at the edge of what feels manageable, not to overwhelm you, and you can always say a step is too big.

Can medication help alongside therapy?

For some people it does, particularly where the anxiety is severe. That is a conversation for your GP. Many people use therapy alone, and many use both.