Problems in social relationships
PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS
We are social beings and we have the need to relate to other people. However, there are times when shyness or difficulties in establishing social relationships become an inconvenience when facing our daily lives. Being shy should not lead to any problem, and all people can become at some point in our life. However, when the level of shyness limits us, generates discomfort and negative consequences, we must ask for help and seek solutions.
A psychology professional can help you when training assertiveness, social skills, fear of rejection and/or social phobia. In addition, difficulties can be addressed when maintaining or establishing friendships. Therapy will provide help when knowing and controlling your emotions and will facilitate tools to improve socialization.
How do we work the problems related to social relations in our psychology consultation?
First, it is convenient to emphasize that before choosing a possible treatment that helps the patient with their social problems, the psychologist must inquire about the reasons why the person is having difficulties when relating. It is not the same as a person costs to relate because he is shy, because he lacks social skills, or because in the past he has lived a traumatic event related to the social sphere. Therefore, finding out the reason will be the starting point when choosing adequate therapy. In this case and by way of example, it will start from the basis that the patient happens to the patient is that he lacks social skills.
Psychological techniques that we work for social relations problems:
- Training in social skills: Through this technique it is intended that the person identify and learn what are the basic social skills (initiate a conversation, present, thank etc.) and complex (work empathy, enhance emotional intelligence, practice assertiveness, etc.).
- Relaxation training: Slow diaphragmatic relaxation and progressive muscle relaxation are taught with the aim of decreases the level of anxiety. Distraction techniques are also often very helpful.
- Role-playing: Through this technique, the professional will help the patient to stage different social situations of everyday life in consultation. In this way, the person will familiarize and gain ease when it comes to developing in other environments.
- Systematic desensitization and controlled and progressive exposure in the aforementioned situations: a clear example of this could be to speak in public, initiate a conversation, etc. Through this technique, the patient must be progressively exposed to the situation that generates discomfort.
