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Attending to Social Anxiety through a Parts-Based Lens

By Graham Watt

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Posted: June 22, 2026

Many people experience social anxiety as a constant companion in social situations – it may show up as a tightening feeling in the chest before speaking up, an urge to stay quiet in a group, or a flood of self-conscious thoughts after an interaction. While there may be some grief (i.e. frustration, sadness, fear, shamefulness/guilt) attached to these experiences, a parts-based perspective invites us to approach social anxiety with curiosity and compassion rather than shaming and criticism.

Engaging with Summer when Anxiety comes along too

By Graham Watt

anxiety

summer stress pressure nervous system counselling curiousity self compassion virtual therapy Guelph Therapy

Posted: June 21, 2026

Summer is often imagined as a season of ease. Longer days, warmer weather, patios, cottages, vacations, festivals, and time outside can all carry the promise of rest and connection. But for many people, summer does not automatically feel light or carefree. Anxiety can come with us into every season, including the ones we think we are “supposed” to enjoy. For some, summer brings relief. For others, it brings pressure. There may be more social invitations, more disrupted routines, more expenses, more body awareness, more childcare demands, more travel stress, or more comparison. The brightness of the season can sometimes make anxiety feel even more confusing: Why am I struggling when everything around me seems so good?

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