Advances and Controversies in the Application of a Modified Version of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

In their comprehensive case study, Jensen, Hougaard, and Fishman (2013) examined the micro-level mechanisms of change for a socially anxious client who underwent one-week of intensive group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and experienced rapid symptom improvement. Our commentary focuses on two key components in the cognitive model of social anxiety, which this study highlights - the role of safety behaviors and interrogating the social environment, as well two topics that are applicable to anxiety treatments in general - integrating acceptance-based strategies into CBT and novel approaches in treatment delivery. We highlight what can be learned from Jensen and colleagues’ case study by incorporating both empirical research and our own clinical anecdotes.