Youth Intervention Programme

Social Anxiety, also know as social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder encountered in adolescence with a prevalence rate of 9.1% but can also be as high as 13%.

Youth Intervention Programme

To respond to the high levels of social anxiety among the youth in Ireland, Social Anxiety Ireland (SAI) are delighted to announce the development of a new group-based intervention programme for young adults (16-19 years old inclusive). This programme was adapted from our well established and effective CBT group intervention for adults; however great care will be taken to make this programme developmentally appropriate, engaging, and accessible to a younger audience.

Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this group has been designed to be delivered online.

Each group will be facilitated by two experienced clinical psychologists (Dr Kevin O’Hanrahan & Dr Kiera Cosgrove) and will run every Tuesday evening (6-8.30pm) for a duration of 14 weeks commencing Autumn 2021. There will be and initial session for parents/carers to help them support the young people involved.

At Social Anxiety Ireland, we aim to help to inform those who experience social anxiety on the underlying dynamics of their emotional difficulties, and to provide them with the tools necessary to alleviate their distress and functionally engage with life.

We approach our work with compassion, openness and understanding. We work collaboratively with our participants – who we consider to be ‘experts through lived experience’ on social anxiety – to empower them to lead fuller lives.

FAQs

What is involved in the adolescent programme?

The adolescent programme will follow a similar layout to our adult one. It is based on the Cognitive Behavioural model in psychology. If you are interested in joining, we recommend doing a quick internet search of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in order to get a better understanding of the foundations on which this programme has been created.

Who can apply?

This programme will target those aged between 16 – 19 years of age who feel as though they have difficulties in social situations so much so that it is affecting their daily lives or if you believe you have social anxiety after reading the above definition

When does it take place?

The programme will take place once a week over the course of 14 weeks online through zoom. Each session will last approximately 3 hours and will be organised for a weekday in the evening time. While this may seem like a long time, most of our participants argue that it passes almost too quickly! The programme is due to start in September 2021.

How many will be in a group?

There will be a maximum of ten participants taking part in the programme. In addition, there will be two psychologists who be running the group along with an assistant to make sure things run smoothly and that there are no technical issues.

How can I apply?

If you are interested in taking part in the programme please send us an email at info.socialanxietyireland@gmail.com. Participants will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

What happens after I express an interest in wanting to attend?

After you email us and if there is still space, we will send out a short questionnaire to you to fill in. Thereafter once this is completed and scored, we will organise a short zoom interview with you just to make sure that you will be able to benefit from the course. Once we are happy that the course is suited for you, you will be sent out all the group details including exact starting date and zoom details.

How much does it cost?

As a charity, we rely on a donations basis. For this reason, the programme has no set cost.

While we greatly appreciate any donations that come our way, we will never turn away anyone that cannot afford to donate and are open to discussing what amount works for you. Donations can be given at any point over the 14-week programme, via the Paypal facility on our website.

Applications

If you are interested in taking part in our group programme, please contact us at info@socialanxietyireland.com or call us at 085-1856582.

Parental consent will be required for applicants under eighteen.
SAI is a registered charity (CRO-20102685) and registered not-for-profit company (CRO 572980)

CBT Group Treatment

The adult programme, which largely adopts a cognitive
behavioural model is conducted over fourteen weeks.
If you wish to apply for a place on our Social Anxiety
Programme please read and follow the instructions in
the section ‘Process of applying for a place in our
Social Anxiety Programme.’

Learn More

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Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety, also know as social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder encountered in adolescence with a prevalence rate of 9.1% but can also be as high as 13%.