Overcoming Shame-Based Social Anxiety and Shyness: A CBT Workbook to Move Past Feelings of Self-Consciousness or Defectiveness and Live with Confidence

by Larry Cohen

Stop the self-sabotaging beliefs that keep you anxious and afraid—and start building real, meaningful connections with others. Do you struggle with shyness or social anxiety? Does the fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected interfere with your day-to-day life, or keep you from social gatherings, seeking out friendships, and pursuing romantic relationships? Shame is a major driving force behind shyness and social anxiety, and it stems from the core belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unlikable. Over time, this belief can have a devastating impact on life, work, and relationships. So, how can you boost your confidence, courage, and self-esteem? Written by the cofounder of the National Social Anxiety Center and drawn from evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this comprehensive guide empowers you with the tools you need to break the cycle of shame, shyness, and social anxiety, and finally overcome the self-sabotaging beliefs that are holding you back. You’ll learn proven-effective skills for challenging self-critical thoughts, as well as strategies for addressing the shame at the root of your social fears. Finally, you’ll discover how transforming negative beliefs about yourself is the key to minimizing anxiety, improving your mood, jump-starting your self-confidence, and protecting yourself against old, self-defeating thinking habits. Overcoming extreme social anxiety and shyness can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task, but with self-awareness, self-compassion, and small steps using the proven-effective strategies outlined in this guide, you can replace fear and shame with a more confident and capable you.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2025

About the author

LICSW A-CBT

Reviews

[Julie DiMatteo, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming Shame-based Social Anxiety & Shyness is a valuable workbook for those seeking to improve their lives. It is an essential resource for patients and therapists alike, clearly outlining an evidence-based treatment for using CBT and third-wave techniques to effectively tackle social anxiety and shyness. Larry Cohen provides a user-friendly model that allows for self-reflection and meaningful change by providing guidance on how to challenge and reframe negative thinking and take active steps towards improving life and engaging in one’s values-based behaviors. Unique to this self-help book are the ways the included worksheets make these changes possible without feeling overwhelming. Highly recommended for those seeking an approachable workbook to make significant changes and improvements in their lives, and for therapists seeking an adjunctive workbook for their patients!

[Selena Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this workbook for patients and mental health professionals!

Larry Cohen draws on his extensive experience treating social anxiety as well as training other mental health professionals and he has created a comprehensive and practical guide for treatment. This workbook offers easy-to-follow steps for overcoming social anxiety and building a more connected, confident life.

As a clinical psychologist who treats many people with social anxiety, I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with this issue. I’ve also shared it with my colleagues as an excellent supplement to therapy for their patients. The included free online tools and downloadable forms are especially helpful and add even more value to an already outstanding resource.

[Connie Salhany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming Shame-Based Social Anxiety & Shyness by Larry Cohen, LICSW, is an outstanding, evidence-based workbook that I highly recommend. What I like best about this book is that it is packed with practical exercises, worksheets, and techniques drawn from all three waves of cognitive behavioral therapy. It has a clear step-by-step format that is great for self-help or for use with a therapist . As a psychologist familiar with the author's work and long-standing contributions to the field of social anxiety, I can confidently say this workbook reflects his deep expertise and decades of clinical insight.

[Robert Yeilding · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychologist who has worked with countless individuals struggling with social anxiety, I can say with confidence that Larry Cohen's "Overcoming Shame-Based Social Anxiety and Shyness" is a landmark resource. The book is firmly rooted in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but it presents these powerful techniques in a way that is incredibly accessible and easy to follow. It lays out a clear path to find relief from shame and healing from social anxiety. I highly recommend it to all.
Robert Yeilding, PsyD, A-CBT

[Katy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larry Cohen’s Overcoming Shame-Based Social Anxiety and Shyness is an outstanding resource for anyone who feels weighed down by shame or self-consciousness. The book combines solid CBT strategies with compassion and clarity, making the exercises both approachable and effective. I especially appreciated how the workbook format encourages real progress—helping you challenge unhelpful beliefs, practice new skills, and gradually build confidence. It’s practical, encouraging, and one of the best guides I’ve seen for moving beyond social anxiety.

[Chamin Ajjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found a new go-to resource! As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with over 20 years of experience, I have seen my share of workbooks. This one has fresh new strategies that are simple and powerful. I have found it useful as a clinician and my clients have appreciated the thoughtful, easy-to-apply approach. I recommend this workbook to clinicians and those struggling with social anxiety or shyness alike!

[Donna Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larry Cohen was many years of experience treating people with social anxiety. In this book, he shares his experience and expertise with helping people with social anxiety. Larry created an excellent program integrating approaches to treating social anxiety! The book will truly change patients lives.

[Larry Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book very clearly presents lots of practical, evidence-based and effective strategies, skills, and exercises to practice that will likely help you make good progress toward your personal goals, and feeling more confident and comfortable.

[Connie Salhany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming Shame-Based Social Anxiety & Shyness by Larry Cohen, LICSW, is an outstanding, evidence-based workbook that I highly recommend. What I like best about this book is that it is packed with practical exercises, worksheets, and techniques drawn from all three waves of cognitive behavioral therapy. It has a clear step-by-step format that is great for self-help or for use with a therapist . As a psychologist familiar with the author's work and long-standing contributions to the field of social anxiety, I can confidently say this workbook reflects his deep expertise and decades of clinical insight.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the title of this book I knew I needed it. I am very shy and I guess I tend to overthink and doubt myself alot when in social settings. This is more of a workbook, but I liked how it gave you pointers at the start of different exercises. After reading this I feel I don’t have social anxiety disorder, but more so just very shy and interverted. I really liked how the beginning of the book suggested also working along with a therapist and doing the work in the book. I also liked how the book let you know its a journey to work through these issues and not just fixed by reading this. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this selfhelp workbook.