This workbook is designed so that it can be used alone or coupled with regular visits to 
a professional therapist. In fact, a motive for writing this book was to have a good refer -
ence our own clients and patients can use as they progress through therapy.
This second edition has been thoroughly updated with the latest scientiﬁc knowl -
edge and references concerning the nature and treatment of social anxiety (for example, 
the section on the genetic underpinnings of social anxiety now includes a discussion 
of the Human Genome Project, which hadn’t been completed when the ﬁrst edition 
was  published). The chapter on medications has also been revised to include the latest 
information on medications that have only recently been studied for treatment of social 
anxiety. Sections that were previously unclear or out of date have been completely 
 rewritten. We have added many new examples and several forms and diaries have been 
updated and simpliﬁed. New sections have been added as well, including a discussion 
of strategies for improving motivation for treatment and sections for family members 
and friends of people who suffer from social anxiety. Finally, the lists of recommended 
 readings and Internet resources have been thoroughly updated.
The journey to overcoming your shyness and social anxiety may not be an easy one. 
Some aspects of your fear will be easier and quicker to overcome than others. Also, 
for every two or three steps forward, you may experience what feels like a step back. 
Nevertheless, the techniques described in this book have been shown to reduce social 
and performance fears in most people who use them consistently. With hard work and 
perseverance, these strategies will provide you with the opportunity to make big, posi -
tive changes in your life.