Social Anxiety Therapy in Calgary
Helping Children, Teens, and Families Build Calm, Confidence, and Connection
Social anxiety can make everyday moments — conversations, group work, presentations, even texts — feel like a spotlight no one asked for.
At Ten Child Psychology, we provide social anxiety therapy in Calgary for children, teens, and parents, helping young people understand what’s behind the worry and build confidence in connection at a pace that feels safe.
Therapy doesn’t erase shyness.
It helps children and teens move through fear, learning to feel safe being themselves.
Understanding Social Anxiety in Children and Teens
When Connection Feels Scary
Social anxiety goes beyond normal nervousness. It’s the fear of judgment, embarrassment, or making a mistake — and it can quietly shape behaviour, confidence, and relationships. For children and teens, social anxiety may show up as avoidance, silence, or intense self-criticism after interactions.
You might notice:
Avoiding group activities, presentations, or social events
Clinging, freezing, or shutting down around peers
Overthinking what was said or done
Physical symptoms like stomachaches, racing heart, or blushing
Strong fear of being judged, laughed at, or “doing it wrong”
Social anxiety is not a personality flaw. Therapy helps children and teens understand that anxiety is trying to protect them — and teaches their mind and body how to feel safe in connection again.
Social anxiety often overlaps with general anxiety and perfectionism. Families may also explore Anxiety Therapy in Calgary or Perfectionism Support for related concerns.
With compassion comes care — support you can count on.
Our Approach to Social Anxiety Therapy
Social anxiety therapy at Ten Child Psychology blends evidence-based approaches with creativity and care. We never push children or teens into situations before they’re ready. Instead, we build confidence gradually, step by step.
Our psychologists may integrate:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and gently challenging anxious thoughts about judgment or rejection.Gradual Exposure Strategies
Practicing feared situations slowly and supportively, at a manageable pace.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Building mindfulness, emotional flexibility, and values-based confidence.Social Confidence and Communication Skills
Helping children and teens practice real-world interactions in safe ways.Play- and Creative-Based Approaches
Especially helpful for younger children who express fear through imagination and behaviour.
Each therapy plan is personalized — balancing structure with curiosity so progress feels encouraging, not overwhelming.
With creativity comes confidence — new pathways emerge.
What Children and Teens Learn in Therapy
Through reflection, practice, and gentle exposure, children and teens learn that anxiety doesn’t get to make all the decisions.
They learn to:
Understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact
Challenge negative self-beliefs and “what if” thinking
Use grounding and calming strategies in social moments
Build confidence in communication and self-expression
Manage physical symptoms of anxiety
Rebuild trust in themselves and their social abilities
Confidence grows through experience — supported, practiced, and reinforced over time.
Social Anxiety in Children
From Shyness to Self-Expression
Children with social anxiety often want to connect, but fear holds them back. They may struggle to explain what feels scary, instead showing distress through avoidance or physical symptoms.
You might notice:
Avoiding playdates, group activities, or class participation
Crying or clinging when meeting new people
Worrying excessively about making mistakes
Complaints of stomachaches or headaches before events
Therapy helps children name their feelings, understand their fears, and build bravery in small, achievable ways. Through play, art, and storytelling, children practice confidence safely and gradually.
Parents are included to help reinforce courage without pressure at home.
→ Learn more about Child Therapy in Calgary and Parent Counselling in Calgary for family support.
With patience comes progress — small steps lead to steady confidence.
Social Anxiety in Teens
Pressure, Perception, and Belonging
For teens, social anxiety often blends with comparison, perfectionism, and identity development. The fear of standing out or not being “enough” can feel overwhelming.
You might notice:
Avoiding school, presentations, or social gatherings
Overthinking texts, posts, or conversations
Physical anxiety before speaking or being seen
Feeling disconnected or different from peers
Teen social anxiety therapy focuses on building self-trust, emotional flexibility, and realistic expectations. We help teens replace fear with curiosity — learning that connection doesn’t require perfection.
→ Explore Teen Therapy in Calgary and Perfectionism Support for overlapping challenges.
With understanding comes confidence — connection feels possible again.
Parent Support and Family Understanding
Helping Confidence Grow at Home
When a child or teen experiences social anxiety, parents often feel unsure how to help without increasing pressure. Family involvement is an essential part of therapy at Ten Child Psychology.
Parent sessions may include:
Understanding social anxiety and avoidance patterns
Learning how to encourage bravery without forcing exposure
Supporting emotional regulation during anxious moments
Modeling calm, compassionate communication
Reducing reassurance cycles that maintain anxiety
When parents feel confident in how to respond, children and teens feel safer taking social risks.
Collaboration builds bridges. Bridges create breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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It’s therapy that helps children and teens manage fear of judgment, build confidence, and feel calmer in social situations using evidence-based tools.
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Yes. Therapy is tailored to developmental stage, personality, and school or social demands.
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Yes. Many families find virtual sessions a comfortable starting point, with skills practiced gradually in real life.
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Many children and teens notice growing confidence within a few months of consistent sessions and practice.
Why Families Choose Ten for Social Anxiety Therapy in Calgary
Boutique, child- and family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary
Psychologists experienced in anxiety and confidence-building
Developmentally appropriate, compassionate care
Evidence-based approaches blended with creativity
In-person sessions in East Calgary and secure online therapy across Alberta
No waitlist — begin when you’re ready
Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.
Our Bridgeland clinic was designed to feel welcoming and low-pressure — with bright spaces, warm tones, and room for both quiet and conversation.
Ten Child Psychology
172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2
📞 403-727-7473
Serving families in Bridgeland, Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton — and online across Alberta.
