Performance anxiety (Program)

Service Description

his therapy program is designed for individuals struggling with performance anxiety — the fear or pressure that arises in high-stakes settings like public speaking, exams, creative performance, sports, academic achievement, leadership roles, or social exposure. Performance anxiety often stems from perfectionism, fear of failure, fear of judgment, or early experiences of criticism or pressure to achieve. It may show up as racing thoughts, avoidance, shaky voice, nausea, rapid heartbeat, blanking out, or obsessive over-preparation. Internally, it can feel like shame, self-doubt, or the belief that "I’m not good enough unless I succeed.” The goal of this program is to help you perform with confidence, stay calm under pressure, and develop a secure inner foundation that isn’t based solely on achievement or approval. This structured, flexible program draws on proven therapeutic approaches, including: Psychoeducation to explain the fear response, perfectionism, and the mind-body loop in performance stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge self-critical and catastrophizing thoughts (e.g., “I’ll mess up,” “They’ll think I’m a fraud”). Skills training in relaxation, breath regulation, grounding, and attention-shifting techniques for before, during, and after performance. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to target past experiences of public failure, humiliation, or critical feedback that still trigger fear. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you perform in alignment with values, not fear, and tolerate discomfort without avoidance. Exposure and desensitization strategies to gradually face feared performance situations and build real-world confidence. Please note: This is an approximate plan. Therapy will be personalized based on your goals, the type of performance you engage in, and the emotional roots of your anxiety. Clients completing this program often report more ease in high-pressure settings, reduced fear of judgment, increased self-trust, and greater freedom to express themselves without being ruled by anxiety.