Social Anxiety sufferers from other 12 step programs tend to fall into two groups--

Q. I have sobriety or abstinence from other problems in another 12 step program yet my social anxiety still hasn't gone away-- so how then can the Social Phobics Anonymous 12 step program help me?

A. The differences in focus are critical. Every 12 step program has a unique focus. Although all the programs that use the steps have much in common there are important differences between them as well--.

These differences can be boiled down to the healing power of the steps being brought to bear on different problems and issues. If the the 12 step group you are in is not primarily focused on social anxiety and you happen to have social anxiety, then you may not get the full benefits of the steps from that fellowship (as far as social anxiety is concerned).

**That's why people who compulsively overeat need to sit in 12 step groups with other compulsive overeaters-- why alcoholics need to work the steps in a roomful of alcoholics-- and why socially anxious people will make more progress working the 12 steps in a Social Phobics Anonymous meeting!

Q. I have partially (perhaps half-way) recovered from my social anxiety in a different 12 step program. Isn't this as far as the steps can take me with my fears? Don't I need something else (outside therapy or treatment) to finish the job?

A. Social Phobics Anonymous is not the least bit opposed to other treatments for social anxiety and some of these modalities can be a great help.

However, by participating in a 12 step program specifically focused on social anxiety issues one can also gain a much fuller, stronger and more consistent recovery.

Additionally, one gains an additional key missing ingredient-- the actual community of fellow social anxiety sufferers and the healing power of being in fellowship with people who have the exact same (or nearly the same) problem. People who can understand and support you in this area like no one else ever could!

Not to mention the powerful opportunity to gain and reinforce social anxiety recovery by doing service for others who have the same problem.

Q. I am one of the few from other 12 step programs who has recovered completely (or at least significantly) from social anxiety in my original 12-step program. So why should I therefore waste my time in a Social Phobics Anonymous meeting?

A. The answer here is simple-- We have to give it away in order to keep it.

There is no greater insurance policy to ensure long term recovery than by helping those who still suffer.

Additionally, if you look within your heart-- can you really turn away from passing the wonderful gift of social anxiety recovery that you have received on to those who are still caught in the crippling hell of this illness?

**Balance of course is needed. One recovers so that one can have ones' own life back-- and have time enjoy it!! But isn't it amazing how often when we make the time to sponsor even one person, or to inspire by example even one small group in one regular SPA meeting, that so much more is opened up in our lives anyway!

Everyone has something to contribute. Some of us still afflicted with social phobia of one type or another have been surprised to discover that by now sharing our old program knowledge Social Phobics Anonymous that suddenly, after all these years, the steps started to work for our social anxiety as well!

All that was needed was to bring our wisdom and experience from our old program into this new arena in order for the healing to finally begin...

There is really no mystery here, all that was missing was the Social Anxiety fellowship, working as a communiiy on the 12 step path...

The result was that we began to experience the joy of being freed from the prison of our social anxiety.

The end of years painful social isolation and the wonderful ability to enjoy precious friendships, to end unneccesary sepration from relatives, to go to work with dignity and a healthy pride and perhaps to even experience the sacred priviledge of an intimate relationship for the first time in years.

These are some of the many gifts that can come from putting social anxiety recovery out front where it belongs and giving oneself the gift of a fellowship entirely focused on using the 12 steps to gain release from this sad and bitter syndrome.

Our meetings, both in the telephone support groups are available each week.

Site Map for Social Phobics Anonymous: Recovery Program and Support Groups for all types of Social Anxiety--

Social Phobics Anonymous Main Page: About Social Phobics Anonymous, our Social Anxiety Support Groups (Local and Telephone Conference Call Support Groups), Recommended Books.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Social Phobics Anonymous: How SPA Helps Social Anxiety, Social Phobia, Shyness Problems, Social Fears, Avoidant Personality Disorder and/or Paruresis.

Learn About How To Start Your Own Local Social Phobics Anonymous Support Group

For Those With Social Anxiety Who Are Already In Other 12 Step Programs

Time, Location and Directions to Boulder Support Group. (For information on support groups in Other Areas, go to Top Link on this page).

<

Social Anxiety and Trust: How To Heal This Part of Yourself and Eliminate Social Fears

The 12 Steps Of Social Phobics Anonymous: A Foundation For Social Anxiety Recovery That Can Work Alone or In Support Of Other Therapies To Eliminate Or Minimize Social Fears

The Three Books Recommended By Social Phobics Anonymous: Why We Feel They Are Invaluable For Helping Social Anxiety, Links For Purchasing These Books, Our Not For Profit Policy

Social Anxiety and Positive Thinking: How To Enhance This Tool Even Further

Social Anxiety and Self Forgiveness: How To Begin To Quiet The Voice of The Inner Critic and Start Healing

The Secret of Healing Social Anxiety Through Service: How One Can Use the Act of Helping Others To Reduce Social Anxiety

Meditation and Social Anxiety: (Optional in our groups) How To Make Meditation Work To Reduce Your Social Fears

Bullies and Social Anxiety: How Shy People Can Attract Abusive People And How To Respond Constructively and Effectively

Recovery Round Two: For Those With Social Anxiety Who Are Already In Other 12 Step Programs


Finding Social Phobics Anonymous Free Support Groups: Why They Are An Essential Part of Our Program; Local Support Groups and Telephone Conference call Support Groups and Where They Are


For Those who Want To Start A Local Group: Learn About How To Start Your Own Local Social Phobics Anonymous Support Group

How To Run A Social Phobics Anonymous Support Group: Shows You Exactly What You Can Do Each Week; Suggestions On How To Structure and Moderate An SPA Support Groups

Go To SPA Home Page