Who We Are

SocialSelf has helped people become more socially savvy since our founding in 2012. Our aim is to give you the most well-researched, accurate, and actionable information on how to improve your social life.

Today, 150 000+ people have joined our training and 1M+ people visit us each month to read our expert-written content.

Disclaimer: Our content is not a substitute for advice from your psychologist, therapist, doctor, or any other healthcare provider. Don’t disregard any advice you’ve received from your healthcare provider because of something you’ve read on SocialSelf.

Our Mission

Our aim is to give you the most actionable, well-researched, and accurate information on how to improve your social life.

We want to help you build confidence, enjoy socializing, and develop meaningful connections.

Our Courses

SocialSelf generates revenue by selling high-quality, science-based courses. You can see our courses here or sign up for our free email training.

Our Trusted Expertise



Leading media outlets such as TIME Magazine, Business Insider, The Chicago Tribune, Mashable, MSN, WebMD, The Hill, and 100+ more rely on SocialSelf’s expertise in psychology.

Review Board

Our review board ensures that our content is up to date and factually correct. It consists of psychologists and experts on social interaction.

Dan Wendler PsyD

Dan Wendler, Psy.D.

Daniel Wendler, PsyD has a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at George Fox University, Newberg, OR.

He is a two-time TEDx-speaker, author, founder of ImproveYourSocialSkills.com, and the 1.6 million members subreddit /socialskills.


Ilene S. Cohen, Ph.D.

Ilene S. Cohen, Ph.D.

“Dr. Ilene” S. Cohen, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist, professor, blogger and award-winning author of the popular self-help guide When It’s Never About You.

After graduating from the University of Tampa with a B.A. in Psychology, Dr. Ilene obtained her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.

She’s regularly featured on Psychology Today and other top publications.

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Lissette León-Iglesias, Psy.D.

Dr. León-Iglesias is a licensed clinical psychologist since 2003. Previously working with addiction, trauma, and domestic violence at correctional facilities and community centers, she currently devotes her private practice to work with adults struggling with anxiety and depression.

She provides online psychotherapy in Florida.

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Viktor Sander B.Sc., B.A.

Viktor Sander, B.Sc., B.A., manages SocialSelf’s scientific review board.

Viktor has worked in the psychology field since 2007 and his primary focus is on communication and relationships. He’s been working with SocialSelf since 2012.

Before joining SocialSelf, he coached people individually to help them overcome relationship challenges in their social lives.

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Editorial Board

SocialSelf’s editorial board consists of experts on social interaction. They create actionable, in-depth articles, guides and courses that improve people’s social lives.

Natalie Watkins

Natalie Watkins, M.Sc

Natalie Watkins writes about socializing for SocialSelf.

She holds a B.A. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford, an M.S.c. in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience from the University of London, and is currently in her final year of an M.Sc. in Integrative Counselling at the University of Northampton.


Hailey Shafir

Hailey Shafir, M.Ed, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Hailey Shafir is a licensed mental health counselor, licensed addiction specialist, and clinical supervisor working out of Raleigh, NC. She has a Masters in Counseling from NC State University, and has extensive professional experience in counseling, program development, and clinical supervision.

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Nicole Arzt

Nicole Arzt, M.S., L.M.F.T.

Nicole Arzt, M.S., L.M.F.T. is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

She provides therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. Nicole received her master’s of science degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2014.


Nicole Arzt

Brandi Newstrom, MEd.

Brandi Newstrom, MEd. researches and writes SocialSelf’s courses. She makes sure that they are scientifically based and applicable, using so-called Backward Design, where the participant’s goals is the guiding star of the course design.

Brandi has a Master of Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern University, Illinois,

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Kirsty Britz

Kirsty Britz, M.A

Kirsty Britz, M.A. writes articles and creates courses for SocialSelf.

Kirsty has worked in different areas of psychology, from relationship-and career coaching to research and writing. In 2018, she left South Africa to complete her M.A. in psychology at the University of New York in Prague.

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David Morin

David A. Morin

David is the founder of SocialSelf. He started the website in 2012, using his passion for self-improvement to help others get a better social life. Originally from Sweden, he now lives and works in New York City.

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Member Stories

SocialSelf would be nothing without our incredible community. Get inspired by these member stories.

Before your course I was so overwhelmed with anxiety, I wouldn’t even consider joining a group like this.
I’m disabled from multiple traumatic brain injuries. These injuries have basically reset all my social skills and this created a lot of social anxiety…

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Michael Green, 54.
Michigan, USA

Changed my life!

So, I have autism. I can hide it in some situations, and do pretty well. But I always was missing the little rules, the ones you…

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Taylor Goodwin, 35
Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
Oklahoma, USA

I have struggled with social anxiety my whole life. I have avoided making connections with people. And it has resulted in me not having any friends…

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Lorena Hernandez, 23
Doctor Assistant
California, USA

I felt like there was no hope for me, but it’s amazing to see the progress I’ve made.I’ve been quiet for as long as I can remember. Not until middle school did I start…

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Jerry Finn, 28
Web Developer
Arkansas, USA

I highly recommend this courseI completed the course and found it to be incredibly valuable. It covered a wide range of topics, including effective communication, active listening…

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Wallace Rangel, 40
Civil Servant
Brazil

I basically feel no anxiety whatsoever in social situations nowI’m not joking, I’d start to sob because of how anxious I was. It was the most extreme case of…

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Rachel Keller, 19
Student
United Kingdom

Now I am proud of who I am

I used to feel like I couldn’t be myself and people would find me weird. Now I am proud of who I am and find that people admire my sense of self…

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Ástrós Stjal, 17
Musician
United Kingdom

Things seem to be so natural now

Before I used to be confused as to how to interact in conversation with others. I would worry and have difficulties in conversation…

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Lisa Ritson, 54
Nurse
Australia

Thankful to have taken the course

I feel that the course does what it sets out to do, and that is to help you become more confident socially and to get you out of the headspace that…

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Kaleb Henson, 22
Nissan employee
Tennessee, USA

On my way to live the life I’ve always wanted

Before I discovered the SocialSelf website programs I was socially and emotionally isolated for over 34.5 years, and I suffered extreme loneliness…

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Monica Meas, 36
Accounting Specialist
Washington State, USA

I feel like a completely different personI used to struggle with socializing and felt uncomfortable in social settings. However, after taking this course, I feel like a completely different…

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Anthony, 32
Product Manager
North Carolina, USA

I really wish I had come across this when I was young

I am a little older than most people taking this course, (late 50s) but it’s never too late…

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Lindy, 58
Musician
Canada

One of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself

I feel like the course provided some grounded truths that I had been blind to before. Anxiety has a way of…

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Bridget Viernes, 31
Teacher
USA

Helped me a lot with my social anxiety

I’ve signed up for a few courses at SocialSelf now. I’ve always liked David’s videos and feel like he breaks down the…

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Kristina Chepak, 28
UX Researcher
California, USA

If it can make an extreme introvert like myself excited to meet strangers, these courses work!

I signed up for the courses because SocialSelf’s website was correct in explaining how…

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Alice Chang
Mental Health Professional
New Jersey, USA

David’s course is DEFINITELY NOT a band-aid, it is a cure, for whatever social discomfort you have

I’m mainly an introspective/ introvert homebody. I prefer weekends free of commitments…

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Bianca Gelli
Self-employed
Brazil

…my first girlfriend was an achievement, I never thought I could have one beforeI always felt I was a good guy, well-intentioned and nice. However…

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William Richards, 20
Student
California, USA

Completely eliminated awkward momentsI had a misconception that becoming a better conversationalist would make me one of those extroverts…

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Rakesh Aggarwal,20
University student
India

My new knowledge has made me more active in social life

Over several years now (maybe five or so), I have seen how everyone around me at my age began hanging out with each other outside of…

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Theodor Kristiansen, 22
University student
Norway

I get more of the feeling that people I meet like me and have enjoyed talking to me

I think the feeling of not being socially skilled…

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Claire, 33
The Netherlands

Today I feel hope and confidenceI was always needy. But thanks to my reading habits I found…

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Esturardo Paz, 29
Data processor
Guatemala

I get more of the feeling that people I meet like me and have enjoyed talking to me

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Richard
Mechanical engineer
Portugal

I now find small-talk with strangers and bonding 1-on-1 to be effortless

I wasn’t a shy kid growing up, but I became very withdrawn…

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Rebecca