Confidence Focused Workshop Offerings for Universities
Expert workshops for students on all things belonging, social anxiety and visibility at university.
Universities are transformative spaces, but they can also be environments where students struggle with belonging, visibility, and authentic self-expression.
As someone who understands that confidence challenges don't exist in isolation from social systems, I offer specialised workshops that address the deeper patterns holding students back.
For many students, university is a significant social change which can lead to insecurity, social anxiety and loneliness. My workshops focus on developing Inner Authority - that unshakeable knowing that you belong exactly where you are, regardless of your background or the environment you're navigating.
Why universities choose this approach
My workshops go beyond surface-level confidence techniques to address key dynamics students are experiencing.
This isn't about quick fixes - it's about equipping students with lasting tools for authenticity and resilience throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Drawing from my background in social psychology and 5+ years of NHS experience, I understand how cultural, familial, and systemic factors impact student wellbeing.
As part of my MSc at UCL, I was part of the IMPACTS research group, and my dissertation was on barriers to students seeking mental health support — I understand deeply the difficulties students go through.
My approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and politically aware - recognising that student struggles often reflect broader social dynamics.
Social Connection & Campus Belonging: Moving Beyond Social Anxiety
WORKSHOP ONE
Many students struggle with social anxiety that prevents them from fully engaging in university life. This workshop addresses:
Understanding anxiety as a nervous system response rather than a personal failing
Practical tools for managing social anxiety in academic (eg needing to speak up in lectures) and social settings
Building authentic connections without masking or performing
Navigating group dynamics and finding your place in university communities
Ideal for: Students with social anxiety, those struggling to make connections, international students adjusting to new social environments
Your Place at the Table: Building Inner Authority in Elite Academic Spaces
WORKSHOP TWO
For students who feel culturally or socioeconomically different from their peers, this workshop addresses the unique challenges of navigating elite academic environments:
Understanding how class, culture, and family background impact university experience
Developing confidence that honors your background while embracing new opportunities
Managing family expectations and identity conflicts
Building professional presence without losing authentic self
Ideal for: First-generation university students, those from working-class backgrounds, students navigating cultural identity challenges
The Different Uni Experience: Belonging When Your Path Looks Different
Not every student follows the traditional university experience of living on campus and socialising in typical ways. This workshop is for students whose circumstances or choices create a different university journey:
Building confidence when your experience doesn't match the "typical" student narrative
Finding community and connection despite logistical barriers or different lifestyle choices
Managing feelings of missing out while honoring your responsibilities and values
Creating meaningful university memories that align with your reality
Developing strategies for academic networking and peer connection within your constraints
Recognizing that different doesn't mean lesser - your path has unique value and strengths
Ideal for: Commuter students, mature students, student carers, students with caring responsibilities, non-drinking students, those with financial constraints affecting social participation, students with disabilities or health conditions
About Me
Hello, I’m Sophia!
I’m passionate about bringing my expertise to university environments, both as an expert and as someone who dropped out of my first university due to mental health difficulties. I can speak from both lived and professional experience.
I’ve devoted my career to learning everything there is to know about social psychology, belonging, confidence, inferiority and social anxiety. With 7 years experience in mental health, including senior roles supervising and training other therapists in the NHS, I bring both expertise and deep understanding to my work.
As seen in WebMD, Yahoo, MSN, Verywellmind, Healthline and more.
What Makes My Workshops Different
Culturally Informed
Understanding that identity is complex and multifaceted, with culture central to how students navigate university spaces.
Trauma Informed
Recognising that protective mechanisms developed earlier in life may now be impacting university experience. For some students, uni is also the first place away from traumatic home environments.
Systemically Aware
Acknowledging that individual struggles often reflect broader social dynamics, not personal failings.
Students who participate in these workshops typically report feeling seen by their university.
They also tend to experience:
Increased participation in seminars and group discussions
Greater willingness to pursue opportunities
Less risk of drop-out
Improved academic performance through reduced anxiety
Enhanced ability to form meaningful peer connections
Stronger sense of belonging within the university community
Having techniques they can use right away
Contact me
sophia@sociallyfearless.com
FAQ
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In-person workshops or online.
Sometimes with these types of topics, online workshops where students can log in anonymously can actually be more helpful depending on the nature of the workshop.Online delivery via Zoom or your preferred platform
Hybrid format combining in-person and online elements
Train-the-trainer sessions to equip your staff with these approaches
Multiple session formats - workshops can be delivered as one hour, 90 min, or intensive half/full days or split across multiple shorter sessions depending on depth and outcomes wanted
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Optimal group size is 15-25 students to ensure meaningful interaction and personal attention. For larger groups, I can deliver presentation-style sessions followed by smaller breakout workshops, or run multiple sessions.
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All workshops include comprehensive participant workbooks, follow-up resources for continued development, pre-workshop consultation to customise content, and a post-workshop debrief session with your team to discuss outcomes and next steps.
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Absolutely. Content is adapted appropriately.
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With extensive experience in culturally informed therapy, I create psychologically safe spaces where students can explore identity conflicts without judgment. Ground rules are established early, and I'm skilled at managing group dynamics when discussing sensitive cultural or family topics.
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Workshop fees are tailored to your institution's sise and specific requirements. I offer competitive educational rates with packages available for multiple workshops or ongoing partnerships. Contact me for a detailed quote based on your needs.
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Absolutely. Workshops can be delivered to specific cohorts, student societies, sports teams, or other defined groups. This often creates even stronger outcomes due to shared context and ongoing peer support.
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BSc, MSc, PGDip x 2
Accredited by the BABCP