When Social Anxiety Starts to Shrink Your World
Social anxiety is the dread that builds before a meeting, a party, or even a phone call. It’s the worry that people are noticing something wrong with you, and the replaying afterward of what you said. Over time it can shrink your life without anyone around you noticing.
I offer online therapy for social anxiety to adults across Ontario, from my practice in Kingston. Sessions are compassionate and direct, and you can begin from home. If your worry reaches well beyond social situations, my page on anxiety therapy in Kingston may be a closer match.
My Approach to Online Therapy for Social Anxiety
My work is relational and emotion-focused. I draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, narrative therapy, and parts work.
Because social anxiety is about being seen by other people, the relationship in the room matters. We build a space where you can be honest, and where my response to you can be different from what you expect. I’m direct and compassionate, and I’ll reflect back what I notice with care.
I’m Victoria Brassard-Monahan, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with Distinction) and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and I receive regular clinical supervision from Kim Lawrence, MSW, RSW, who has more than 10 years of clinical experience. My practice is trauma-informed and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming.
Signs You Might Benefit From Online Social Anxiety Therapy
Before social situations
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Dreading events for days, or rehearsing what you’ll say
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Looking for reasons to cancel or leave early
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Avoiding phone calls, introductions, or speaking up
During them
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Your mind goes blank, or you feel watched and judged
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Performing a more polished version of yourself to get through
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A racing heart, blushing, or a shaky voice*
Afterward
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Replaying conversations and picking apart what you said
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Feeling certain you came across badly
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Needing hours alone to recover
*If not better explained by a medical concern. If you’re unsure, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor, and therapy can happen alongside.
Where Social Anxiety Shows Up
Social anxiety rarely stays in one corner of your life. These are the places I hear about most.
At work and on video calls
Speaking up in meetings, networking, and being on camera can feel like a performance review you never agreed to. Many of my clients are capable, well-liked professionals who spend a lot of energy hiding how hard these moments are.
In friendships, dating, and close relationships
The fear of being too much, or not enough, can keep you from letting people in. If you tend to put everyone else’s comfort first, my page on people-pleasing therapy may also resonate, as may self-esteem therapy.
When you’re neurodivergent or a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community
Years of masking, or of wondering how safe it is to be yourself in a room, can leave social situations exhausting. I’m queer and neurodivergent myself, and I also offer ADHD-affirming therapy for clients whose anxiety is tangled up with it.
Not ready to book yet? See what to expect in your first session. →
Why Online Therapy for Social Anxiety Can Be a Good Fit
A gentler way to begin
Reaching out is often the hardest part. With online therapy for social anxiety, there’s no waiting room, no commute, and no walking into an unfamiliar building. You book through my online schedule and meet with me from a space where you already feel like yourself.
You're always welcome to transition to in-person sessions at any time, and vice versa.
What you’ll need
Online therapy for social anxiety works best in a quiet, private room, with a reliable internet connection. I am licensed to offer therapy to anybody living in Ontario. Sessions are for adults 18 and up.
What Online Social Anxiety Counselling Looks Like
Step 1: A free phone call
We talk for 15 minutes about what’s going on, and you can ask me anything. No camera, and no commitment.
Step 2: Your first session
We explore how social anxiety affects your daily life and what you’d like to be different. You don’t need to have it organized before you arrive.
Step 3: Building a plan together
We look at how your past experiences and relationships shaped your anxiety, then outline a plan that moves at a pace you’re comfortable with.
Not ready to book yet? See what to expect in your first session. →
Areas I Serve
I offer in-person social anxiety therapy from my Downtown Kingston office, serving clients throughout Kingston, ON, as well as virtual social anxiety therapy for anyone located elsewhere in Ontario. Whether you're commuting from across the city or joining a session from the comfort of home, there's a way to fit therapy into your schedule.
Inclusive, compassionate care in Downtown Kingston.
My approach combines Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and relational work. As a trauma-informed, queer, and neurodivergent practitioner, I aim to provide a safe, affirming space where you can drop the pressure to perform. Whether you're a parent, working professional, or student, I'm here to support you in your growth.
In-person office | 20 Montreal Street #2, Kingston, ON
Virtual care available across Ontario
Covered by most Registered Psychotherapist insurance benefits
Ready to regain your energy?
If you are looking for a social anxiety therapist in Kingston, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Let's talk about what's going on and how we can help you find your footing again.
Not ready to book yet? See what to expect in your first session. →
FAQs About Social Anxiety Therapy
Is social anxiety just shyness?
Shyness is a temperament. Social anxiety is a fear of being judged that starts to shape your choices, like skipping events, avoiding calls, or replaying conversations for days. A diagnosis is made by a doctor or psychologist, but you don’t need one to ask for support.
Does online therapy for social anxiety work?
Many people find online sessions easier to start because there’s no waiting room, no commute, and you’re in a space that feels familiar. If you find you’d rather meet face to face, I also see clients at my downtown Kingston office.
What if online therapy for social anxiety still feels scary?
That’s common, and you won’t be pushed into anything before you’re ready. The free consultation is a 15-minute phone call, so you can get a feel for me before booking a session.
Do you use CBT?
My approach is relational and emotion-focused rather than structured CBT, and I don’t assign much homework. If you’re looking for CBT specifically, ask me on the consultation call so you can decide whether I’m the right fit.
How long does it take?
It depends on you and what you’re dealing with. Many clients notice a shift somewhere between 6 and 12 sessions. After your first session I’ll suggest a pace, often weekly or biweekly to start, and we can adjust it at any time, including for budget.
How much does online therapy for social anxiety cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Individual sessions are $170 for 60 minutes and are HST-exempt. I don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide a receipt after every session. Many extended health plans cover Registered Psychotherapist services, so check with your provider that yours does.
Can you diagnose social anxiety or prescribe medication?
Diagnosis and prescriptions are outside my scope as a psychotherapist. If you’d like either, your family doctor or a nurse practitioner is the place to start, and therapy can run alongside medical care.
Can I see you online if I live outside Ontario?
Online sessions are for adults who are in Ontario at the time of the session.
I’m not an emergency service. If you need urgent support, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline) or go to your nearest emergency department.