In-person and online social coaching in the Bay Area and across the U.S.

Helping introverted, awkward, and shy people build confidence in everyday interactions

Some people seem to know instinctively how to start a conversation, join a group, or keep a text thread going. For others, social situations can feel confusing, overwhelming, or draining.

If you’ve ever left a gathering second-guessing what you said—or avoided one altogether because it felt too daunting—you’re not alone.

At the Social Anxiety Support Center, we believe that social ease isn’t about being charming or outgoing. It’s about feeling like you can show up as yourself, connect with others, and feel good about how you relate.

That’s where Social Coaching comes in.

We offer structured, one-on-one coaching to help you strengthen your social presence and communicate more confidently—at your own pace, and in ways that feel natural to you.

Social Coaching gives you the structure and tools to connect more easily with others

You don’t need to fake confidence or become someone you're not. You just need a plan, the right tools, and a supportive space to practice.

Social Coaching focuses on two key areas:

Social Strategy Coaching

Some people struggle socially not because they don’t care, but because they’ve never been taught how to approach social situations in a way that works for them. Social Strategy Coaching helps you create a thoughtful, doable plan for showing up socially with more clarity and purpose.

Strategy Coaching can help you:

• Choose the right settings or social environments for your unique temperament

• Plan how to start or join conversations that you actually enjoy

• Build a sustainable social rhythm (one that honors your need for alone time)

• Navigate texting, DMing, or group chats

• Manage energy before, during, and after social interactions

• Identify values-based goals for your social life

Social Skills Coaching

If you’re already in social settings but feel unsure how to connect or keep things going, Social Skills Coaching helps you improve how you relate and communicate in real time.

Skills Coaching may include:

• Practicing conversation openers and small talk

• Expressing curiosity and listening actively

• Reading body language and facial cues

• Responding thoughtfully in the moment

• Practicing assertiveness and boundary-setting

• Handling awkwardness, silence, or disconnection with more ease

We take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to social growth. That means if you’re autistic (ASD), highly sensitive, an ADHDer, or otherwise neurodivergent, we won’t automatically center neurotypical norms or encourage you to mask to “fit in.” Instead, we work collaboratively with you to identify what you want from your social life—and help you build skills and strategies that align with your values, communication style, and sensory needs.

Social Coaching isn’t about performing or passing. It’s about creating more ease and authenticity in your connections—on your terms.

Who we work with

Social Coaching is a great fit for:

• People who describe themselves as shy, quiet, or socially reserved

• Adults who want to build friendships or strengthen their presence at work

• College students or young adults navigating new social settings

• Professionals who feel held back by self-doubt or communication struggles

• Neurodivergent people (including ADHD and autistic clients) seeking support with social norms and unspoken rules

• People rebuilding their social lives after isolation, burnout, or big transitions

Not sure if coaching or therapy is the better fit? We’re happy to help you figure that out during your free consultation.

How Social Coaching Works

Social Coaching consists of weekly, 50-minute sessions online or at our office in North Berkeley. Your coach will focus on helping you show up socially in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.

Coaching isn’t psychotherapy—we don’t provide diagnoses or mental health treatment. Instead, we focus on current challenges and future goals.

Here’s what the social coaching process typically looks like:

1. Free consultation

   You’ll start with a free 30-minute call with our Care Coordinator to discuss your goals and determine whether coaching or therapy would better meet your needs.

2. Coach matching
   If coaching is the right fit, we’ll match you with a coach who understands your social goals and preferred learning style. Our coaches (many of whom are also therapists) bring a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed lens to their work.

3. Initial sessions
   Together, you’ll explore what’s been getting in the way of connection and define what a more satisfying social life looks like for you. You’ll also begin identifying the behaviors and habits that might be limiting your ability to connect.

4. Strategy and skill-building
   You’ll co-create a practical plan that includes:

• A step-by-step approach to social goals

• Coaching exercises and role-plays to practice new behaviors

• Optional between-session experiments to try in everyday life

5. Ongoing support and real-time practice
   Your coach will offer structured feedback and gentle accountability. You’ll work together to troubleshoot challenges, integrate new skills, and adjust your plan as needed.

6. Integration and next steps
   As you gain confidence, your coach will help you reflect on your progress and make a plan for sustaining what you’ve built. If deeper support is needed (and you’re located in CA, FL, AZ, or CO), we’re happy to connect you with one of our therapists.

We recommend starting with at least eight coaching sessions to explore and integrate both strategy and skills.

Social Coaching is not covered by insurance. If you’re experiencing intense distress or seeking support with trauma or clinical anxiety, therapy may be a better fit—we’ll help you explore your options.

Ready to feel more confident and connected?

If you’re ready to feel more confident in conversations, strengthen your social presence, and build the kinds of connections that matter to you—we’d love to support you.

Apply now for a free 30-minute consultation. Our Care Coordinator will learn more about your goals, answer any questions you have about coaching vs. therapy, and help you get matched with the right coach.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own! We’re here to help you build the social life you’ve been longing for—one step at a time.

Offering online and in-person services