A courage-based intervention for treating social anxiety disorder

Abstract

Although there are several effective treatments to decreasing symptomatology and subjective distress for the person suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD), the literature shows that they are ineffective in increasing their overall or relational well-being. Thus, there is a need for a model that aims to aid the person with SAD to be able to flourish. It is argued that in order to face the difficulties and obstacles that the person with SAD faces on the path to flourishing, the person needs courage. As a result, this dissertation proposes a practical-theoretical model for instilling courage in the therapeutic setting for clients that struggle with SAD. In doing so, an integrated model of SAD will be put forth, drawing from different theoretical models and developmental pathways of SAD. It will then propose that a secure attachment style is the foundation for the person to engage in necessary life tasks. Additionally, it will employ the “courageous mindset” model set forth by Hannah et al. (2010) in order to explicate how the person can grow in courage. Finally, it will provide case examples to show how to apply the model.