Making a Plan for Change
79way of overcoming social anxiety (for reviews, see Antony and Rowa 2008; Rodebaugh, 
Holaway, and Heimberg 2004). Cognitive behavioral therapy differs from other more 
traditional forms of therapy in the following ways:
UÊCBT is directive. In other words, the therapist is actively involved in the 
therapy and makes very speciﬁc suggestions.
UÊCBT’s focus is on changing a particular problem. Some other forms of therapy 
focus on helping the individual develop insight into or understanding of the 
deep-rooted causes of a problem but do not offer speciﬁc  strategies for 
overcoming the problem.
UÊCBT has a relatively brief duration. The typical course for social anxiety is 
ten to twenty sessions.
UÊCBT focuses on current beliefs and behaviors, which are thought to be 
responsible for maintaining the problem. Some traditional therapies tend to 
focus more on early childhood experiences.
UÊIn CBT, the therapist and client are partners and work together during 
treatment.
UÊIn CBT, the client chooses the goals for therapy, with input from the 
therapist.
UÊCBT usually includes strategies for measuring progress so that treatment 
techniques can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness.
UÊCBT involves changing beliefs and behaviors so that the client is able to 
better manage anxiety and to navigate anxiety-provoking situations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety includes three main types of strat -
egies. Treatment almost always includes cognitive therapy and exposure to feared 
 situations. In addition, social-skills training is sometimes included.
COGNITIVE THERAPY
The term cognitive  refers to anything having to do with assumptions, beliefs, predic -