Do you avoid social situations? Do you dread public speaking? Would you rather stay in a job you hate than go through the interview process? If so, you may have social anxiety-and you aren't alone. People who struggle with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of social situations. And as a result, could end up missing out on life's opportunities-such as getting their dream job, meeting new friends, or finding the perfect mate. If you're tired of social anxiety holding you back, this book can help.

In CBT for Social Anxiety, you'll learn how to conquer your fears using research-proven skills from one of the world's leading CBT experts. In addition to overcoming avoidance of social situations through understanding how your social anxiety works, you'll also learn how to engage in "social mishap exposures"-humorous social scenarios that you practice on your own terms, as you learn to see how well you're able to cope with your anxiety in the moment. As you gradually realize that your worst fears are unfounded, you'll gain the self-confidence needed to start really enjoying social interactions.

Avoidance may lessen your social anxiety in the short-term, but it can actually make anxiety worse in the long run. Using the skills outlined in this book, you'll learn how to face your social anxiety head on-so you can get on with your life.

Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, is professor of psychology in the department of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University. He has been president of numerous professional organizations, and is currently editor in chief of Cognitive Therapy and Research. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed journal articles and twenty books. He is a highly cited researcher, and has received many awards, including the Humboldt Research Award. His research focuses on the mechanism of treatment change, translating discoveries from neuroscience into clinical applications, emotion regulation, and cultural expressions of psychopathology. He is codeveloper (with Steven C. Hayes) of process-based therapy.Robert L. Leahy, PhD, is author or editor of twenty-seven books, including The Worry Cure, The Jealousy Cure, and Beat the Blues. He is director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York, NY, and clinical professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Leahy has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more.