Less social anxiety

What is the content of ‘Less social anxiety'?

The module is based on the three main pillars of social anxiety: self-focused attention, avoidance and safety behaviours, and unhelpful thoughts.

First, the user receives psychoeducation about social anxiety. Next, the client works on task-concentration exercises and starts exposure. The client is given an explanation of helpful and unhelpful thoughts and challenges unhelpful thoughts using a thought scheme. The client then carries out a behavioural experiment in which they deliberately seek out socially awkward situations. Finally, the client creates a relapse prevention plan.

Who is the module for?

Therapists can use the module with adults who struggle with social anxiety. The aim of the module is to reduce the client’s social anxiety.

What is the content of the module?

The module has a CBT based approach. It consists of 7 guided sessions and 3 unguided sessions, including the 'Welcome' session. Relevant topics are discussed in each session. For example: the negative effect of self-focused attention and how externally focused attention can help to diminish anxiety. The patient creates a fear hierarchy and learns to face their fears through graded exposure. Insight is gained into unhelpful, negative thoughts and these are challenged with a thought record. In each session, the patient receives information and examples and they get started with one or more exercise(s).

Which diaries are part of this module?

As clients go through the module, three diaries are automatically activated.

• In the diary ‘Exposure’, clients evaluate exposure by reflecting on the social situation, safety behaviors, and the focus of attention.
• In the diary ‘Challenge your thoughts’, clients analyse a situation and challenge their unhelpful thought with a helpful thought.
• In the diary ‘Behavioural experiment’, clients evaluate their behavioural experiment and the credibility of the unhelpful thought.

The diaries can be completed at any time of day via the app or on a laptop or computer.

What is the module based on?

The module ‘Less social anxiety’ was developed by Minddistrict. The content of the module was created through an extensive development process and is based on relevant literature as well as the knowledge and experience of professionals and experience experts. If you would like to learn more about the development process of this module, please contact the person responsible for ehealth within your organisation.

The intervention mapping method was used during the development process. If you would like to learn more about this, read the intervention mapping whitepaper.

How do you use the module?

The module is based on the CBT-protocol for social anxiety consisting of 14 face-to-face sessions. The most effective elements of CBT that are also suitable online are integrated into the module; psychoeducation, cognitive and behavioural interventions. The components role-play, video presentations and imagery rescripting exercises remain part of the face-to-face treatment. As well as the diary form for anxiety-provoking social situations and drawing up an exposure list. The module contains 12 milestones and 6 feedback moments. The idea is that clients complete 1 milestone per week, and that the therapist only needs to provide feedback 6 times.

In Brief:

• For adults
• Based on the three main pillars of social anxiety: self-focused attention, avoidance and safety behaviours, and unhelpful thoughts
• Developed for primary mental health care and specialist mental health care
• Available on mobile and desktop