Social phobia is defined by a marked fear of social or performance situations, generally including a fear of being embarrassed or humiliated. People who suffer from social phobia avoid the feared situation, or endure it only with intense anxiety.

CBT addresses social phobia by providing techniques for reducing the physiological, panic like symptoms, as well as combating the thoughts or beliefs which exacerbate and prolong anxiety. Therapy occurs in two parts. First, coping skills are learned and implemented. Second, gradual, supported, and safe exposure to the feared situations helps you habituate to and eliminate the fear and avoidance associated with social situations.