The brain's neural pathways must change so that your beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions become more rational. This can only occur if you change your neural pathways by practicing repetitiously the new methods and concepts learned in cognitive therapy. This, as you can see, takes practice, persistence, and repetition. But, it works. It has to work because, as you continue, your mind really does change.
People can and do overcome social anxiety.
The solution is in the practice, repetition, and constant reinforcement. Progress can be made relatively quickly, faster than most people expect, but there is no substitute for practice and repetition. This does take time and patience, but every three weeks or so, if you practice each day, you will find you have made some major progress. Continuing on until social anxiety is a thing of the past is the right choice to make. Copyright 2000-2001, Social Anxiety Institute, Inc.