Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Thoughts on Record is the podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Each week we explore topics relevant to clinicians and mental health consumers from a cognitive behavioural perspective; however, if you’re generally interested in psychology, psychotherapy, evolutionary psychology, mental health, the brain, dynamics of human behaviour, creativity, wellness & performance then this podcast will certainly be of interest to you. Thoughts on Record is hosted by OICBT clinical psychologist Dr. Pete Kelly, C. Psych. Dr. Kelly is a Clinical Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kelly is actively involved in directing speciality programming at OICBT, teaching and supervision, providing workshops to mental health professionals and is a frequent speaker to organizations around the impact of stress on well-being. Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. You can visit the OICBT at www.ottawacbt.ca. Original theme music courtesy of OPK5, outro music courtesy of Baldhero & Van Whelan https://baldherovanwhelan.bandcamp.com
Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dr. Deborah Dobson - Social Anxiety
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In this episode, we sit down with psychologist and CBT expert Dr. Deborah Dobson to discuss her new book Living Well with Social Anxiety. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Dobson offers a compassionate and highly practical look at what social anxiety is, how it develops, and most importantly—how to move beyond avoidance and toward a more connected, fulfilling life.
Key Themes
- Understanding the social anxiety cycle: thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, avoidance patterns, and how they reinforce each other
- Why avoidance feels safer—and why it makes anxiety worse long-term
- Self-monitoring as a core CBT skill for breaking the cycle
- The continuum from shyness to social anxiety disorder to avoidant personality traits
- Impact of technology and post-pandemic remote life on anxiety and social skill atrophy
- Exposure principles: graded, values-guided, and compassionate rather than forceful
- The role of sensitivity, empathy, and introversion as strengths rather than flaws
- Public speaking, dating, small talk, and other high-anxiety social tasks
- The importance of seeing social anxiety as a long-term trait that can be managed—not a personal failing or something to “cure”
- Maintaining gains after therapy: preventing relapse and building ongoing resilience
Deborah Dobson, PhD, spent her decades-long career specializing in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary and a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Canadian Association for CBT, and the Canadian Psychological Association. She received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her extensive advocacy work in mental health. Since retiring from clinical practice in 2023, she continues to train and consult in CBT.