Annie, my apologies for the delayed reply. I have friends that are like you and in my early days i was not good in public so know what you are saying.
It is great that you are working with your clinician on it. I do not know if your clinician has suggested it or you have mentioned it but would you be able to go out the front door and walk two steps past it, pause and when you get uncomfortable, head back inside. The next day go three steps, the next four steps etc. Again i must specify this, make sure that this is done in conjunction with your clinician.
An example for me was that I developed an instant fear of trains when i was diagnosed. Knowing that trains are a part of my life, I went to the station, put my headphones on with some great music (to distract the coming anxiety attack) and told myself that all i need to do is go one station.
I jumped on the train, which was almost empty and concentrated on my breathing. I was successful and made it one station and stayed on it for another one. I then got off and then returned to my home station. I was utterly exhausted after it but i conquored one small part of my demons.
I continued doing this for some time and even now, a few years on, I avoid packed trains, just cannot do them but for the most, I can do it.
Wonder if this kind of exercise would work for you?
Mark.
