Your Proven Path Out of Social Anxiety
14 Weeks. Lasting Change.
A proven group programme that helps you face fears, build confidence, and reconnect with life.
Takes less than 10 minutes
Programme at a Glance
The Social Anxiety Ireland Group Treatment Programme is a 14-week course designed specifically for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). It blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with elements of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
How It Works
Structured group CBT. Safe environment. Real-life results.
Initial Screening
Takes 10 minutes, then a 1-hour screening to confirm diagnosis.
Group CBT Sessions
14 weeks. Small group. Real tools that change how you think and feel.
Ongoing Support
After the programme, you’re welcome to stay connected with the support group.
Why It Works
Clinically proven. Small groups. Life-changing outcomes.
A Hybrid Approach
This is a practical blend of CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) built to target social anxiety specifically.
✅ Tailored.
✅ Real-world proven.
✅ Refined over 20+ years.
Builds Confidence
We use a “closed-group” format you start and finish with the same people. That trust lets you try things out, speak up, and realise: you’re not alone.
🤝 No drop-ins.
👥 Max 10 people.
🏠 Safe, structured, and real.
Tools for Life
Forget theory that fades. You’ll leave with personal strategies, weekly rituals, and a recovery journal, the same tools many still use years later.
🧠 Built-in reflection.
📈 Real tracking.
🛠️ Lifelong resilience.
It’s not just what we teach, it’s how we deliver it.
What Past Participants Say
This course gave me the confidence to step into situations I used to avoid — it’s been genuinely life-changing.
David, Dublin
Realising I wasn’t alone or broken was incredibly reassuring — I’d recommend the group to anyone feeling the same.
Brendan, Wicklow
I’m not the same person I was before — my confidence, comfort, and life have all changed for the better.
Aoife, Mayo
This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — the support, the tools, and the people changed everything.
Shane, Dublin
Being surrounded by people who truly understood made me feel normal, safe, and genuinely supported.
Hilary, Kildare
The support doesn’t stop after the course — I’ve stayed connected for years, and it’s been invaluable.
Patrick, Laois
Once the course began, I realised I wasn’t alone — and that realisation gave me the strength to change.
Neil, Offaly
After 30 years of trying everything, this course finally changed my life — I only wish I’d found it sooner.
Patsy, Galway
These re-occuring quotes are drawn from the real experiences of past participants over the last 10 years, respectfully anonymised and paraphrased for privacy.
Is This Programme Right For You?
This programme is designed for people with Social Anxiety Disorder. It may not be suitable if your difficulties relate to other conditions such as generalised anxiety, OCD, PTSD, substance misuse, or if you are currently experiencing severe or complex mental health needs.
Dr.odhran McCarthy // Founder
Treatment FAQs
These are real, raw questions we hear every day and the answers that start to bring relief.
The group programme runs for 14 weeks. Each session lasts about three hours, once a week, with the same group of people from start to finish.
We keep groups small, usually between 6-10 participants.
(i.e., maximum is 10) This size allows everyone to feel safe, supported, and heard.
Sessions are run by trained facilitators with professional backgrounds in psychology and years of experience helping people with social anxiety.
No. You’ll never be pushed into anything you’re not ready for. Many people start quietly and participate more as their confidence grows.
Life happens If you miss a session, you can continue with the group, but regular attendance is important because each week builds on the last.
Yes. Confidentiality is a core part of the programme. Everyone agrees to respect the privacy of fellow participants.
You’ll begin with a self-assessment and a screening interview. This helps us confirm that the programme is suitable and gives you a chance to ask questions.
You’ll learn techniques that involve gradually facing fears, but always at your own pace. Nothing is forced. The aim is to build skills in a safe environment.
You’ll be invited to join our ongoing support group, which meets twice a month (once in person, once online). Many find this helps them keep progress going.
No, Social Anxiety Ireland only provides group treatment. If you’re looking for one-to-one support, we can guide you toward other services.
The programme fee is €500 for the 14 weeks. Payment can be made in instalments, and we do our best to accommodate financial difficulties. Screening interviews are free.
Most support groups are run in Dublin, at the Carmichael Centre with the intervention groups at Insight Matters Therapy Centre, Capel Street, Dublin 1. Some follow-up support sessions are also available online to make ongoing participation easier.
Your name will go on our waiting list. We run multiple groups each year, and applicants are contacted in order. While waiting, you’re welcome to join the support group for encouragement and connection.