About the Social Anxiety Support Center
in-Person & Online Therapy Services for Introverts in the san Francisco bay area and Across California
The Social Anxiety Support Center is a team of action-oriented counselors committed to helping shy introverts develop the confidence needed to build meaningful relationships.
Our therapists combine evidence-based talk therapies with creative, interactive approaches to get you results. Our collaborative, compassionate approach helps shy introverts go from dreading social situations to participating joyfully in parties, public speaking, and dates.
We believe that everyone deserves love and connection. Whether you’ve been shy since childhood or developed social anxiety after a difficult experience, working with one of our expert clinicians can help you recover your sense of comfort and safety.
Our team is highly skilled at helping you to build meaningful connections without constant doubt and self-criticism. We can help you learn concrete ways to put yourself out there confidently, build friendships easily, and finally feel supported by a strong, loving community.
Our story: committed to healing
In private practice since 2011, psychotherapist and drama therapist Jessica Anne Engle (MFT #81850, RDT) successfully treated hundreds of social anxiety survivors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area using creative, action-oriented approaches. Inspired by witnessing countless shy, big-hearted introverts find the courage to finally go after the romantic relationships, friendships, and colleagueships they'd always longed for, she resolved to help on a broader scale.
Jessica founded the Social Anxiety Support Center in 2017. It is a specialty clinic of the Relationship Center (formerly the Engle Center) and a sister clinic of Bay Area Dating Coach. We are a thriving group practice of energetic, highly experienced therapists. Each of us brings unique interests, cultures, and specializations, enabling us to serve diverse clients.
Our values: creating a more intimate world
These core values guide how we support our clients at the Social Anxiety Support Center:
Love: We are dedicated to helping humans connect deeply. Our therapists bring an unguarded heart to their work, knowing that their care will help clients learn how to accept themselves. With greater self-compassion, our clients are that much more available to build loving relationships with others. We do this work because we want to help build a more loving world.
Culturally Competent Care: We welcome clients of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, sexualities, genders, sizes, religions, and thinking styles. Our team strives to create a safe place for all people in acknowledgment that the world is not safe for many marginalized identities and that social anxiety is a completely understandable response to oppression. We celebrate diversity.
Oomph: Social anxiety restricts free expression. As such, treatment for social anxiety must carve a path towards authentic, wholehearted engagement with others. Our therapists create space for our clients to safely express themselves without judgment by showing up fully engaged, genuine, and (where appropriate) playful. We walk the talk!
Consistent Kindness: For most introverts, putting yourself out there can feel awkward and even risky. We recognize the courage it takes to reach out for help, particularly if you’ve had troubling relationships in the past. From your initial intake call through to your final session, we approach every interaction as an opportunity for healing, knowing that responsiveness, consistency, and kindness go a long way toward rebuilding security.
Feedback: what our clients say
We often hear the following feedback from clients about working with our therapists.
We are the first therapists who got them real results
We aren't like other therapists who just sit and nod
We gave them a clear sense of how to move forward
We helped them feel accepted from the start
We created a safe space so that they could step out of their comfort zone
Dedicated to helping: therapy services and beyond
Our commitment to helping shy introverts spans beyond our therapy services. We are committed to serving the community regularly through our blog, free resources, and newsletter. Our content provides shy introverts with encouraging and empowering insights to inspire deeper relationships.
We are also available to speak in the community and as guests in the media. Want our expert opinion on your organization or content? Let us know.
Get therapy today: let’s help you enjoy relationships with confidence
Here's how it works: Fill out an application and request a time for a free 30-minute consultation. Our Care Coordinator will speak with you about your social anxiety challenges and help you determine whether our team is a good fit to help you reach your goals. If so, they’ll help you choose a therapist and get you started with a first session.
Offering online and in-person services