Best Mind Therapy · Social Anxiety · Swindon & Online UK
More freedom to be yourself.
When every conversation feels like a performance, even ordinary moments can be exhausting. There is room to explore a different way forward.
I'm Gary Smith. I offer a thoughtful, individual approach to social anxiety and confidence, in Swindon and online throughout the UK.
Free initial consultation · No pressure to continue
01 / Feeling understood
Sometimes the hardest part is what nobody else sees.
You might look calm on the outside while quietly wondering whether you've said the wrong thing.
Perhaps you replay conversations long afterwards, avoid invitations you would actually love to accept, or dread speaking up at work. The anticipation can feel just as difficult as the situation itself.
Social anxiety isn't simply about being shy. It can involve persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed or scrutinised — and it can affect relationships, opportunities and everyday life.
You don't have to explain it perfectly before asking for support.
“I can talk to people. I just wish I didn't have to analyse every word afterwards.”
An illustrative description of social anxiety — not a client testimonial
02 / Everyday moments
It's not always the big occasions.
Sometimes it's the small, ordinary moments that take the most energy.
Conversations & friendships
Worrying about what to say, feeling awkward in groups or going over conversations long after they've ended.
Work & speaking up
Meetings, introductions, presentations or simply asking a question can feel far more difficult than others realise.
Being noticed
Feeling self-conscious about blushing, trembling, eye contact, eating in public or drawing attention to yourself.
Afterwards, the replay
Revisiting what you said, how you looked, or whether anyone judged you — long after everyone else has moved on.
If a particular fear is affecting your choices, you may also find our Phobias & Fears collection helpful.
03 / Understanding the cycle
Why it can feel so difficult to break the pattern.
Trying hard to feel safe can sometimes keep the anxiety going.
Many people describe a familiar cycle: worrying beforehand, monitoring themselves closely, withdrawing or finding ways to feel safer, then reviewing everything afterwards.
This is an illustration of a common pattern, not a diagnosis or an assumption about your experience.
04 / Looking ahead
What might a little more freedom look like for you?
Not becoming somebody else. Just feeling more comfortable being yourself.
It might be joining a conversation without planning every sentence, sharing an opinion in a meeting, going somewhere new, or finding that you don't spend the whole evening reviewing what happened.
We'll start with what matters to you and look at changes that feel realistic for your circumstances.
Small changes. Meaningful moments.
These are examples of possible personal goals, not promised treatment results.
05 / Choosing the right support
Clear options. Thoughtful decisions.
The right approach should reflect your needs — and an honest conversation about the evidence.
NICE recommends individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specifically developed for social anxiety disorder as the initial treatment for adults. Depending on your needs and preferences, other care options may also be appropriate.
My work draws on Solution Focused therapeutic conversations and, where suitable and agreed, clinical hypnotherapy. The evidence supporting hypnotherapy for social anxiety is more limited than for specialist CBT; I won't promise a cure or describe the approaches as equivalent.
At your free consultation we can explore what I offer, discuss other options and consider a referral if another service would be more suitable.
Read NICE guidance on treatments for adults with social anxiety .
06 / Your next steps
A conversation is a good place to begin.
You don't have to arrive feeling confident, and you don't have to commit to anything.
01
Get in touch
Book your free initial consultation online or by telephone. You're welcome to ask questions beforehand.
02
Talk things through
We discuss how social anxiety affects you, what you'd like to change and which approaches may be appropriate.
03
Decide together
If you wish to proceed, we'll agree a plan, review how it's going and adapt where appropriate.
Prefer to know the costs first? View session fees .
07 / The person behind the practice
Hello, I'm Gary.
You don't have to feel confident to start a conversation. You can simply arrive as you are.
I'm Gary Smith, a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon. I know that speaking to someone new may feel particularly daunting when social situations have become difficult.
My style is warm, practical and forward-looking. I'll listen to what matters to you, explain your options clearly and work collaboratively, at a pace that feels appropriate.
Alongside my clinical work, I lecture and supervise other hypnotherapists. I value reflective, ethical practice and recognising when another service may better meet someone's needs.
- Individual, collaborative sessions
- In-person appointments in Swindon
- Suitable online consultations UK-wide
- Free initial consultation
08 / Frequently asked questions
It's natural to have questions.
Some straightforward answers before we speak.
Is social anxiety just shyness?
Not necessarily. Social anxiety can involve persistent fear of being judged or embarrassed that causes distress or interferes with daily life. If you need a diagnosis, an appropriate healthcare professional can assess this.
Do I have to talk in front of a group?
No. Our initial consultation and any individual sessions are one-to-one. We can discuss what feels manageable and whether another approach would be more suitable.
Can we meet online?
Yes. Suitable online consultations are available throughout the UK, alongside in-person appointments in Swindon.
What treatment is recommended for social anxiety disorder?
NICE recommends individual CBT specifically designed for social anxiety disorder for adults. At your consultation we can discuss the available options and appropriate referrals.
Can hypnotherapy help with social anxiety?
Some people may find hypnosis-based approaches supportive, but research evidence is more limited than for established specialist CBT. I will discuss this honestly, without promising particular outcomes.
Will I have to revisit difficult past experiences?
Not necessarily. We can begin by discussing your current experience and goals. If earlier experiences are relevant, we will consider the safest, most appropriate way to address them.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no single number that suits everyone. Any plan should reflect your needs and preferences, and we can review progress together.
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation is free and there is no obligation to continue. Current session prices are available on the Fees page.
09 / Take the first step
More ease in the moments that matter. More freedom to be you.
A first conversation can simply be a place to begin — without any expectation that you already know the answers.
If social situations have become exhausting or limiting, you're welcome to get in touch and explore your options.