Skill Deficiencies
Treatment & Consultation Offered by Dr. Grabau
Public speaking
Did you know that fear of speaking in public is the number one fear listed by Americans? At some point in time, we all have to face our fear of public speaking. Whether that be due to a job, business proposal, or school we all have to get up on the stand and somehow manage to speak publicly. Luckily, through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure therapy, you can overcome that fear and anxiety.
You Have to Face your Fears
There are a few tips and tricks up therapists’ sleeves that can help you to speak publicly more confidently and fearlessly. First and foremost, face your fear! One of the best ways to overcome fear and anxiety is to come face to face with the very thing that provokes those emotions and responses. The more we can face the anxiety-inducing process of public speaking, the less fear we will have during the next presentation or event!
Avoid Safety-Behaviors
Each time you have to speak publicly avoid some of these “safety behaviors” which can help you overcome the fear and speak with genuine confidence:
- Avoiding public speaking altogether
- Not looking directly at the audience
- Rushing your presentation
- Reading your slides verbatim
Safety behaviors only encourage your fear and hinder your growth and ability to speak publicly.
Seek Therapy
If your fear and anxiety worsens or becomes overwhelming you can always ask for guidance and support of a trained therapist!
Procrastination / Avoidance
Have you ever waited until the very last minute to start something that you have been working so hard to avoid? Have you then noticed the longer you avoid this task the more stressful and daunting it seems? Procrastination and avoidance of something that provokes stress or anxiety is something a lot of people experience.
So, if procrastination and avoidance just creates more stress and anxiety, why do we do it?
We have already established that stress and anxiety of the task itself is a common factor in procrastination, here are some others:
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Depression
- Low Self-Confidence
- Perfectionism/Fear of Failure
- Distraction
- Lack of Accountability
- Lack of Understanding
- Poor Organizational Skills
Through therapy, we can address anxiety-induced procrastination and avoidance, build self-confidence in your ability to succeed, and help you find accountability and organization to tackle the things you have been putting off!
What is an Introvert?
An introvert refers to a person who is mostly concerned with their own inner life. Introverts are natural loners and prefer solitude over the company of others. However, this doesn’t mean that the individual can not function appropriately in the social world, they just prefer that their connectivity is within themselves vs. with others.
Shyness vs. Introversion
Do not mistake shyness for introversion. A person who is shy generally feels uncomfortable around people and social settings even to the point that it is crippling. A shy person may feel desperate for connection with others but are simply unable to. People who are shy often don’t want to be shy and feel as though they are being held back from the life they want to live.
Why Would Someone Not Seek Outward Connectivity?
- Enjoyment of solitude
- Freedom
- There is no need to please others
- Less conflict & confrontation
- Freedom of expression
- Opportunity for reflection and contemplation
Now, looking at that list, none of that seems negative. All of those things are actually very positive outcomes that can be brought about by being alone and basking in solitude. However, there are negative aspects to solitude such as:
- Feelings of being an outsider
- Missing out on human connection (needed by everyone)
- A desire for solitude can be a sign of mental illness
- Solitude is a common response to drug & alcohol abuse
Addiction Recovery for an Introvert
Many people who are not introverted will choose the path of group therapy or 12-Step programs as a way to work through their addictions. They find power through recovery by having others to lean on which has proven to be successful for long-term recovery for most people. However, introverts can fly solo through recovery and lead just as happy and sober lives. There are actually many benefits to being an introvert during addiction recovery:
- Introverts tend to be better at self-reflection
- Introverts may find it easier to break off unhealthy relationships & contacts
- Introverts are less likely to fall under peer pressure
- Introverts are likely to be more comfortable with meditation & other spiritual work