What
The Portland Social Anxiety Group is a cognitive-behavioral therapy group, consisting of up to 8 members and the group leader. It is an open group, meaning that new members are welcome as long as there is room. It is expected that members will cycle through approximately every 2-6 months.

The group is meant as a time-limited, task-oriented group, where members can learn and practice new behaviors to facilitate permanent change. It is not designed to provide long-term or in-depth emotional support.

Who
This group is designed for men and women over 18 who are able to maintain employment and/or relationships, but who feel that social anxiety is nevertheless having a negative impact on their lives. The group leader, Tina Gilbertson, is a mental health therapist with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and experience in both leading groups and treating social anxiety. (For more on social anxiety disorder, visit the website of the Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association.)

Note: There can be a fine line between mild social anxiety and difficulty being emotionally close to others. Please see also the Relational Concerns Group page if you have trouble sustaining relationships once you make them, or if you tend to experience frequent conflict. If you're unsure which group might be right for you, call or email Tina for a free consultation.

How
Since we can't change without being willing to do some things differently, the group will facilitate both baby steps and bigger leaps by creating a supportive structure - a safety net - for personal exploration. Members will be gently encouraged to push their personal boundaries and step outside their comfort zones. Research-supported procedures and techniques used in the group will include psycho-education, cognitive restructuring, exposure, attentional focus training, relaxation/mindfulness training, and social effectiveness training. Individualized homework may be assigned and reviewed in group.

Why
Social anxiety has cognitive, physiological, social and emotional components, and research indicates that these can be effectively addressed in a group format. The group is more affordable than individual therapy, and creates a microcosm of the external world. The open aspect of the group, with new members joining and old ones leaving regularly, provides members with constant social challenges and an opportunity to put new skills into practice. Members are encouraged to graduate from the group within a reasonable period of time, so that dependency on the group does not interfere with personal efficacy.

When
Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8pm.

Where
Meetings take place at 1235 SE Division St., Suite 207, in Portland. Please see the Location page for a map, photos and directions.Note: This is not a drop-in group;a pre-interview is required to make sure the group is a good fit for you, and to help you prepare to use the group to its fullest potential.

Commitment and Cost
A two-month commitment is required. Group members are asked to try to attend every session, as absences are disruptive to the group process. The cost is $125 a month. 

To Join
This is an open group that accepts members throughout the year. Send an email to tinagilbertson@gmail.com or call 503.544.6179 to set up an initial one-on-one screening interview to make sure the group is right for you. At this meeting, we'll discuss your situation and you can ask any further questions you may have about the group. There is no charge for this interview.