The role of social anxiety self-help within the NHS social anxiety webpage and NICE Guidance are discussed in the paragraphs below. This also includes the option of supported self-help.
The NHS social anxiety webpage itself states “self-help can help reduce social anxiety and you might find it a useful first step before trying other treatments”. This refers to a self-directed approach to CBT that allows you to work through the principles of CBT therapy independently, with support and guidance (please note talking therapy is the first recommendation for treatment, as opposed to self-help). This form of self-help can be especially useful if you’re not yet ready to see a therapist or if you prefer to start working on your mental health at your own pace.
On our website’s other pages, we have hoped to explain What is CBT?. CBT is primarily offered by the NHS as a talking therapy however the principles of CBT are also applied to much wider concepts – beyond the realm of NHS therapies or treatments. CBT can now be accessed in both therapeutic (therapist based) and self-help formats, the latter including books, online videos, apps, guides, or self-help workbooks.
There are lots to benefits to self-help, including:
1. Accessible: Self-help can be done anywhere at any time, making it convenient to fit into your day-to-day life. Whether it’s an online program or a workbook, you have the flexibility to work through the materials at your own pace.
2. Evidence-Based: CBT is one of the most well-researched treatments for a variety of mental health conditions including social anxiety. The principles behind CBT-guided self-help are grounded in the same evidence that supports therapist-led CBT.
3. Empowering: Self-help allows you to take an active role in your own journey. By practising techniques independently, you can develop lasting skills that work for you, and that empower you to manage your anxiety and other challenges effectively.
4. Variety: Everyone learns in different ways, self-help is now available across many different formats so that not everything is based on workbooks, reading and writing.
5. A First Step: If you’re unsure about seeing a therapist, self-help is an excellent first step. It allows you to build toward managing your own anxiety and may even prepare you for more formal therapy if needed later.
We have collected several self-help resources for you to try:
• An NHS self-help guide
• Self-help books
• The SAAUK page on “Making Progress”
• Courses and practical help
• Magnus Nordmo YouTube Videos
• Australia CCI – Self-help resources
CBT-based supported self-help” (or guided self-help)
Self-help is referred to in the NICE Guidance as “CBT-based supported self-help” (or guided self-help). This is self-directed learning of using therapeutic tools or techniques alongside professional guidance from a mental health practitioner. This might be a psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP) or associate practitioner, assistant psychologist, mental health and wellbeing practitioner or sometimes registered nurses with training in delivering such interventions. By having someone check in with you regularly, either through sessions or feedback via phone or email, you can discuss your progress, address any challenges, and adjust strategies as needed. Some people find supported self-help a helpful balance of independence and encouragement, however, please note that not all NHS services have the provision to offer this, and it would depend on your local NHS trust.
Page last updated January 2025
