The Baseball Metaphor of Social Anxiety and Self-Criticism

I'm Dr. Thomas Smithyman, a clinical psychologist making videos to help people overcome social anxiety.

The Child Baseball Metaphor technique I describe in this video helps to highlight how we are treating ourselves and how that can drive social anxiety. A parent who tells a kid they must perform perfectly or they will get punished and criticized afterwards - or even that this proves they will never succeed - will end up with a very anxious, unhappy kid who probably wants to avoid the activity. Sound familiar? Change how you parent yourself and you'll change your internal experience.

This is part of a segment where I share recent insights I've had while treating my social anxiety clients: Clinical Insights. I continue to grow and develop in my model of social anxiety treatment, so I'd like to share that as it happens. I hope that this will be helpful.

 

We'll talk about:

0:00 - Intro

0:31 - Deal with your emotions like a parent taking care of a child

1:02 - Does social anxiety make you a mean parent to yourself?

1:25 - Child Baseball Metaphor of social anxiety

3:28 - How would a child feel if you treated them the way you treat yourself?

4:30 - How do you treat yourself before and after your socialize?

5:25 - Two triggers for anxiety, shame, and avoidance

5:51 - How to lower anxiety and trigger natural warmth

7:12 - What to do if you get self-critical

 

QUESTION — Have a question about anything related to social anxiety? Post in the comments section of this video.

MY BOOK ...coming May 2022.

ONLINE THERAPY I'm not currently accepting new patients for online therapy.

 

PODCASTS

📱 Subscribe and Listen to the Anxious in Austin Podcast HERE::

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anxious-in-austin-podcast/id1179010466

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xUWe9AYORdwDisWw5c4Wh

 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnbCIpMq4UH4T7V7RRKVuZQ

 

My mission here is to use video to help people overcome social anxiety. Most people with social anxiety never seek help, and those who do usually wait 16 years! Treatment is effective but people don't know about it. I'd like that to change, and I'd really appreciate any help.

 

PLEASE READ If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.