Mental Health Insights: Therapy Blog

Overcoming Anxiety With Professional Counseling in Silver Spring

Social anxiety affects many people, creating significant barriers in daily life, from maintaining relationships to pursuing career goals. Professional counseling offers structured support and proven methods to help individuals understand and manage their social fears. Through dedicated therapy sessions, people can learn practical techniques to build confidence, reduce anxiety symptoms, and participate more comfortably in social situations.

Common Signs of Anxiety

  • Feeling nervous in everyday social situations
  • Avoiding group activities or social gatherings
  • Physical symptoms like sweating or rapid heartbeat
  • Trouble speaking up at work or school
  • Fear of being judged by others

How Professional Counseling Helps

Plato Therapy, creates a comfortable space where you can work through social fears at your own pace. Our approach combines understanding with practical tools to help you feel more confident in social situations.

Social ChallengesTherapeutic Solutions
Group SettingsConfidence building, anxiety management
Public SpeakingSpeech preparation, relaxation techniques
Social InteractionsCommunication skills, fear reduction

Practical Skills We Develop

  • Techniques to calm anxiety in social settings
  • Methods for starting and maintaining conversations
  • Strategies for handling social pressure
  • Ways to build self-confidence gradually
  • Tools for managing physical anxiety symptoms

Available Treatment Options

Larkin Plato provides flexible support options:

  • Individual anxiety counseling in a private setting
  • Small group practice sessions for social skills
  • Virtual therapy for those who prefer starting at home
  • Gradual exposure practice in real-life situations

The Treatment Process

Each session focuses on your specific social concerns and goals. We work at a comfortable pace to build your confidence and social skills. Our practical methods help create lasting positive changes in how you handle social situations.

Get Started with Plato Therapy

Ready to build your social confidence? Plato Therapy offers professional support in a comfortable, understanding environment. Contact us at 301-775-5445 or schedule a session today.

Schedule A Session

Larkin Plato

As the founder and lead therapist at Plato Therapy, Larkin is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience. Drawing on years of clinical experience and a deep understanding of mental health, Larkin provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs. Whether through individual therapy, family sessions, or couples counseling, Larkin is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where lasting change can begin.


‹ Back

Larkin Plato, Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW-C offers compassionate individual, couples, and online therapy in the Silver Spring, MD area. With 15+ years of experience, Larkin specializes in trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression, helping clients find peace and self-acceptance. As a former Army officer and corporate professional, Larkin relates to work stress and mental health challenges. Using a psychodynamic approach, Larkin guides clients to uncover subconscious motivations, resolve conflicts, and develop new tools for daily life. For those facing relationship issues, work stress, or seeking personal growth, Larkin provides a safe space to explore and heal. Book your session today and begin your journey towards a more fulfilling life.

larkin Plato

Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW-C

INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES THERAPY
IN-PERSON & ONLINE