Sumithra recalled that she indeed remembered her cousin talking about how tensed he was when he had to pitch his startup idea to investors. In fact, he had had a terrible first experience that he almost thought he would not want to pitch again. But his motivation to take his company to newer heights pushed him for further pitching events. She wanted to know how she could get equally motivated like him. 

I said, “Listen Sumithra, you have taken the first step to meet a Therapist. This clearly shows that you have an internal motivation to improve your life. You certainly want to handle yourself better and go out like a normal person. As a professional who deals with anxiety issues on a daily basis, I can definitely help you in improving your condition. You can always discuss your worries with me.

Let me explain how we can start addressing your problem connected to social anxiety. I will send you a questionnaire that covers several aspects of your life. Once you fill that, I will present a detailed evaluation of your case. This will help us figure out an effective plan to work on you.

I can tell you, in every session, you learn something new. Let’s say, the next therapy session you understand a few points on the aspects of your mind works when you tell me about your recent episode of anxiety. We will also learn certain tools to help you deal with a similar situation. As your therapy continues, you would have learned and practised the different tools and techniques from process-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I can see that your face is lighting up listening to me talk. CBT and ACT have strong scientific evidence-based research to prove me right. I can give you many examples from my own experience where therapy has helped people take actions through their difficult times.”