Bye Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a common experience no matter your age, culture, or education. Life as a uni student can be challenging enough. For the socially anxious student, the many study-related situations like public speaking, being called on unexpectedly in class, introducing yourself in new situations, forming connections in groups, talking to teachers and lecturers can trigger a tsunami of anxieties. The natural discomfort of these situations can amplify into fear and dread. Social anxiety can have a profound impact on your capabilities to socially engage, study, and learn.

“Accept the challenge. The moment I got help for my social anxiety, I started feeling better.”

So, let’s dive deeper into what social anxiety is, and how you can go from enduring and surviving, to thriving at uni.

Express your interest here

What is involved?

We recognise how social anxiety has increased due to the pandemic’s social distancing and remote learning. We understand the adjustment to studying in another country when you are an international student or coming to university for the first time if you have just left school. The university environment can cause us to feel anxious as it is a big place, filled with different people, new buildings, and different dynamics that we might not feel socially prepared for. Recent research has revealed promising results for the use of Acceptance Commitment Therapy for those who have social anxiety.

This is a 1-session workshop with an optional 1-session follow-up to support the learnings. Each session goes for 1-1.5 hours long. Activities include group discussions, self-reflection exercises, videos, case scenarios, and the practise of skills together and independently.

Is this for me?

This program is free and open to all UQ students, of all genders, cultural backgrounds and ages. The workshop is confidential and is a safe space to explore and learn things together.

If you...:

Want to learn how to become more comfortable in social situations
Want to work through the avoidance of triggers so you can get to the other side of new skills and a new you
Find the safe refuge within to feel more at ease in yourself when you meet others

...then the workshop is for you!

Facilitators

Helen Nguyen
Student Counsellor
(she/her) UQ Ally

I am a psychologist and student counsellor and have worked at UQ since early 2019. I provide support in general counselling and the Sexual Misconduct and Support Unit. I enjoy learning about people and being part of someone’s journey in healing and growth. I am interested in most areas of human challenges with a specific focus in relationship dynamics, self-worth, change, gender and cultural expectations. My preferred counselling modalities are Strengths-based, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye-movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Schema Therapy. Away from work, I like being in nature, enjoying tasty food and spending time with my fur-children.

Melissa Glasscock profile picture

Melissa Glasscock
Student Counsellor
(she/her)

I joined the UQ student counselling and Sexual Misconduct Support Unit this year. Previous to this role I have worked in the fields of mental health (in both hospitals and communities), sexual assault and trauma counselling. My areas of interest are anxiety, depression, self-worth, stress management and trauma. I provide a non-judgemental environment where people can problem-solve and deal with challenges. My preferred counselling style is strength-based, ACT, mindfulness and trauma-informed practice.