The Group Therapist
Robert Cowle, Phd, is a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in providing individual, couples', family , and group psychotherapy. One of his specialty areas is treatment of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety.

Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is feeling tense, nervous, or frightened in situations that involve meeting other people. For most individuals with social anxiety, meeting new people is particularly difficult, especially in group situations. People with social anxiety also frequently have some type of performance anxiety in front of others – they feel they are being watched and evaluated. Many "normal" people will experience occasional social anxiety. However, people with social anxiety disorder are consistently anxious in a variety of social situations. Many will experience intense anxiety or panic attacks in the situations that are most stressful for them. The most recent epidemiological studies have found that over 13% of the adult population in the United States has experienced high levels of social anxiety at some point in their lives. Social anxiety disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence, and without treatment usually develops into a chronic condition. Research has found that most people with social anxiety disorder do not seek help, but instead live their lives in a way that enables them to avoid most social situations.

The group is for men and women, ages 18 and older, who

• experience social anxiety in one or more types of social situations
• may feel socially isolated because they avoid most social situations
• may be experiencing depression due to isolation, loneliness, and difficulties achieving life goals
• are motivated to gain the knowledge and skills to begin overcoming their social anxiety

What is a therapy group?
The group will consist of five to eight members. There will be some educational components and some exercises, but the majority of the group time is taken up by members sharing their stories, their concerns, and their successes. Group members are allowed to proceed at their own pace, with the understanding that at some point they will need to begin talking more about themselves. Group members are encouraged to support and challenge each other, and in some case members may help each other face social situations outside of the group.

Group Expectations
Members must agree in advance to protect the privacy and confidentiality of other members. This includes not talking about other group members outside of the group. Regular attendance and being on time are very important. Group members must participate meaningfully in the group on a regular basis (as opposed to mostly listening and letting others do the talking).

Fees
The per-session fee is $80 with one uncharged absence every calendar quarter. Other absences are charged at the regular rate. Group members are responsible for their accounts. Our office staff can assist in obtaining third-party (health insurance) payment when it is available.

Group Schedule
To be determined. The group will meet for 90 minutes, most likely in the late afternoon, or over the noon hour.

Joining a Group
For more information, or to schedule an intake, contact Dr. Cowle at: 651-646-8985.

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