Hi there. My name is Doctor Sutton and I’ll be your therapist. For starters, can you tell me a little about yourself? Maybe why you’re here? 

Uh...yeah. I’m Charlie. I’m 22. Um... I guess I’m mostly here because I was recommended too. I...find it hard to leave the house just because I get so anxious when talking with people. I’m told that I shouldn’t feel this way, but...um yeah. 

 I see. Do you feel this way every time you have to meet with someone? Or is it an issue in specific situations?

Every time I have to interact with anyone really. I just get so nervous thinking about it and I’m not sure what to do anymore. 

It just gotten so bad recently and my mom really wanted me to set up this appointment because even she’s pointed out that it’s gotten bad.

I even leave the house, and I think that I’m going to embarrass myself just by walking past someone.  Like, am I walking weird?  Am I going to trip and fall in front of them? Am I going to have to talk to them and then I say something so stupid that it makes them think I’m just stupid? 

How long have you felt this way?

Most of my life, but it's gotten much worse recently. I'm not sure what happened!

Was there any important event that could have made it worse?