question: How can cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) assist individuals in overcoming social anxiety? Please provide your response in a format with 3 sections. Choose one of the following as a primary focus of CBT: ('exposure techniques', 'cognitive restructuring', 'mindfulness training'). Ensure that the words 'medication' and 'pharmacology' are excluded from your response.
answer: ### Introduction to Social Anxiety and CBT
  
  Social anxiety is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations, often driven by concerns about being judged or scrutinized by others. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for social anxiety, helping individuals modify thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One primary focus of CBT is **cognitive restructuring**, which aims to change the negative thought patterns that fuel social anxiety.
  
  ### Cognitive Restructuring in CBT
  
  Cognitive restructuring involves identifying, challenging, and altering distorted or unhelpful thoughts. Individuals with social anxiety often experience automatic negative thoughts, such as "I will embarrass myself," or "People will think I'm incompetent." During CBT, a therapist guides the individual to recognize these thoughts and examine their validity. This process helps in:
  
  1. **Identifying Negative Thoughts**: Clients learn to become aware of the specific thoughts that arise in anxiety-provoking social situations.
  2. **Challenging Negative Thoughts**: The therapist works with the client to critically evaluate these thoughts, asking questions like, "What evidence supports this belief?" or "Is there another way to view this situation?"
  3. **Replacing Negative Thoughts**: Clients are encouraged to develop more balanced and realistic thoughts, such as, "I might feel anxious, but I can still perform well," or "It's okay to make mistakes; everyone does."
  
  ### Benefits of Cognitive Restructuring for Social Anxiety
  
  Through cognitive restructuring, individuals can significantly reduce their social anxiety by transforming their thought patterns. This process leads to:
  
  - **Improved Self-Esteem**: As individuals learn to think more positively about themselves and their abilities, their self-esteem improves.
  - **Reduced Avoidance**: By reframing thoughts, individuals become less likely to avoid social situations, which can further reduce anxiety over time.
  - **Enhanced Social Skills**: As anxiety decreases, individuals often feel more confident in social interactions, leading to improved communication and relationships.
  
  Cognitive restructuring empowers individuals to gain control over their thoughts, fostering a more positive and realistic outlook on social interactions, thereby alleviating the symptoms of social anxiety.