Dear Readers:

Have you ever been in a social situation that landed you (or almost landed you) in therapy? Have you ever been snubbed? Felt social phobia? Said the wrong thing? Or found yourself in an extremely awkward situation at a party? If so, you are not alone.

As a therapist, I am regularly approached at parties and social events by strangers who would like to “Ask the Therapist” a question over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Next time this happens to me at a party I will invite the troubled party goer to visit www.socialdiary.com and write to me.

This is the first installment of “Ask the Therapist” and I wanted to introduce myself to you and tell you a little about the column. I am a Clinical Social Worker and I've been in private and group practices in Washington, DC and Boca Raton since 1992. My specialties are marital therapy as well as working with people who have depression and anxiety. This experience has led me to help people who struggle with their relationships and social lives.

This column will provide the “five minute therapy consultation” to those of you who would love to ask a question of a therapist, but don't necessarily want to enter into therapy. Who doesn't have a question about themselves or a friend/family member that they'd love to run by a therapist? Here's where I come in!

Send me any questions, no matter how overwhelming or petty, and I'll sift through and see which are most reflective of my readership!

Please note: “Ask the Therapist” and www.southfloridasociety.com doesn't take place of a mental health consultation and any opinions expressed in this column are personal and therefore not absolute fact. Please contact a medical doctor or therapist for an in-depth evaluation or to explore the issues discussed here in a professional setting.

Contact carolynkelley@carolynkelley.com or vist www.carolynkelley.com