Desensitization
Laboratory (LAB)
A comprehensive 1-year anxiety-reduction program that includes safe practice groups and one-on-one meetings with Dr. Mathews.
Learn anxiety management techniques in one-on-one sessions with Dr. Mathews. Practice anxiety management techniques in a safe supportive group, desensitize your nervous system and advance your career. Start anytime.
Lifetime
access
to LAB course
and videos
Unlimited Practice Clubs
facilitated by
members
Unlimited
LAB Groups
facilitated by
Dr. Mathews
Unlimited
1:1 meetings
one-on-ones with
Dr. Mathews
Who should attend?
If you struggle with any of these situations or symptoms, this course is for you.
Situations
Situations
Situations
What happens
in the LAB?
Note: I recently redesigned the LAB to be a 1-year program. It now includes unlimited 1:1's, LAB groups and Practice Clubs. This video will be updated soon.
Unlimited Practice Clubs.
It's like going to the gym:
Do the "reps"
facilitated by
members
The LAB includes a 1-year membership to the Practice Clubs.
The Practice Clubs meet on weekdays and weekends for 30-60 minutes. The Practice Clubs are focused on practice and repetition (vs. the LAB groups that have more discussion and coaching). The meetings take place on Zoom.
Once the year is up, renew your Practice Clubs subscription to continue attending.
Unlimited LAB Groups on Sundays 11:00-12:30 Eastern Time
facilitated by
Dr. Mathews
Attend a minimum of 6 group meetings (1.5 hours each). You'll practice new anxiety management techniques in a very supportive group with coaching from Dr. Mathews.
Attend as many group meetings as you want for 1 year.
Once the year is up, a Practice Clubs subscription will give you another year of unlimited LAB groups.
Unlimited 1:1
meetings scheduled
at your convenience
one-on-one meetings
with Dr. Mathews
Attend a minimum of two meetings with Dr. Mathews (1-hour each). In our meetings, we'll discuss anxiety management techniques and design a personal improvement plan tailored to you. Once you enroll in the LAB, you'll receive a link to my online calendar.
Schedule as many 1:1 meetings as you want for 1 year.
Once the year is up, a Practice Clubs subscription will give you another year of unlimited meetings.
Dr. Cheryl Mathews
Course Author
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Early in my career, I had debilitating speaking anxiety and had to figure out how to overcome it. I know how painful it is—it put my career and life goals on hold for over a decade. Then I attended a public speaking phobia program that was a game changer (it no longer exists). I went on to become an executive in major corporations and tech startups where I continually faced high-pressure speaking situations. In this course, I've pulled from my own experience and from speaking anxiety research to explain why anxiety and panic happens and how to get unstuck. No matter what level of anxiety you have, it is possible to get better.
"This was an amazing course"
I strongly recommend it for anyone who is serious about overcoming public speaking anxiety. Dr. Mathews walks you through a deep understanding of what causes public speaking anxiety, teaches you tools to overcome this anxiety, and so much more. I now have a plan in place that I feel confident will get me to where I need to be and most importantly I know that I’m not alone. I look forward to continuing to develop myself and sincerely appreciate Dr. Mathews’ kindhearted and no-nonsense approach.
RN // Military Officer
"The course was a complete game changer for me!"
My presentation at the conference went well! I was very calm during the presentation. I wouldn’t have even been able to imagine I could have pulled this off just a couple of months ago.
I am very happy that I did the presentation instead of going to extreme lengths to avoid it again. It’s very liberating to know that I can do it and I don’t need to come up with yet another excuse to avoid it.
NP // Finance Executive
"I don't know how but I was so calm the entire time! "
The interview went well. I don't know how but I was so calm the entire time! You were a huge help. I could not have done this without you. And.. they've just offered me the job. In shock! This was literally all because of working with you. I wasn't even nervous at all. Thank you so much honestly I owe it all to our sessions!
RK// Research Manager
"It is life changing."
Today's webinar was a great success! I did 20 mins to an audience of 50 people. I also did a 10 minute briefing with no notes to a board member. This was the first time in recent memory that I haven't dreaded doing something like this with high stakes. All of what you told me is starting to happen. I am starting to realize the power and control you have in a presentation with pausing and the delivery in general. It was a very important moment today to do this for the client. In all my career, I never delivered a presentation or briefing so comfortably. It is pretty incredible to actually see and feel progress. It is life-changing.
DL // Lobbyist
"The LAB was an invaluable experience for me."
It was something I had been looking for over the past year. I am glad I found Dr. Mathews and was able to attend her Lab. She is very committed to the participants and their concerns, and provides very useful guidance. During the Lab I was able to practice impromptu speaking, and to learn how to organize my thoughts, and how to control my levels of anxiety when speaking. Also, I received valuable feedback not only from her but from other participants, and this has helped me to increase my self confidence, and to develop more positive thoughts about self. I recommend this Lab very highly as it offers ways to become calmer when speaking before other people, and to enjoy sharing with others without having fear or a feeling of panic.
SD // Trainer
"Provides an insightful understanding of speaking fear and achievable steps for overcoming it."
The LAB was a wonderful experience! I was able to finally learn valuable techniques to help me better manage anxiety in a very safe environment.
I met others with the same challenges in the LAB and that made it a lot easier for me to relax and realize that we were all on the same journey and were there to help each other. Dr Cheryl was also very helpful in patiently guiding us through our sessions and helping us create new thought patterns. Also, I learned a lot from the feedback from others in the group. The feedback was so helpful.
After the first two sessions, I began to see my anxiety coming down through lots of practice opportunities I got in the lab. In one lab session, I gave a 5-minute talk and I was so happy because I knew I could do it.
Toastmasters is great but it was too overwhelming for me. The LAB however gave me a way to work on my anxiety gradually in a very manageable way. After the LAB, I am now confident that I have the tools to join a toastmasters group online to increase my practice opportunities.
Overall, the LAB was an awesome experience and I would encourage anyone who may be struggling with speaking anxiety of any sort to take part in it.
IB// Engineer
Pricing
Unlimited one-on-one sessions with Dr. Mathews, unlimited group exposure sessions, and unlimited practice clubs for 1-year.
And lifetime access to course materials and private groups and forums.
FAQs
Yes. Once you purchase the course, you’ll receive an email with a link to start the course. You’ll also get access to your courses from the left navigation panel.
The Lab is a 1-year anxiety-reduction program on Zoom where you learn and practice anxiety management techniques. The LAB includes three one-on-one meetings with Dr. Mathews (1-hour each) and six group sessions (1.5 hours each). The six group meetings are a mix of group and exposure work. During the three one-on-one (1:1) meetings with Dr. Mathews, you will learn what causes your anxiety and techniques to manage your anxiety. You will also work with Dr. Mathews to design a personal improvement plan (PIP) tailored to you. The PIP will help you desensitize most effectively. You will then have the opportunity to practice the anxiety management techniques that you learned in the groups.
- Unlimited one-on-one meetings with Dr. Mathews: There are three core meetings (1-hour each). Once you complete the three core meetings, you can schedule unlimited 30-minute check-in sessions with Dr. Mathews for one year. Once the year is up, the unlimited 1:1 sessions will renew once you join the Practice Clubs.
- Unlimited LAB groups: There are six core group meetings (1.5 hours each). Once you complete the six core meetings, you can continue attending the LAB groups for one year. There are limited spots available (6 per group). Priority is given to those who are going through the six core group meetings, but there are usually spots available for those who have completed the core meetings. Once the year is up, you can renew once you join the Practice Clubs.
- Unlimited practice clubs: You will be able to join other SpeakMeister practice groups throughout the year while you’re enrolled in the LAB. Once the year is up, this will renew once you join the Practice Clubs.
I’m typically free to start right away - often within 24-hours after you enroll in the LAB. Once you enroll, you'll receive a link to my online calendar so you can find a convenient time to schedule our first one-on-one meeting. I’m available 9:00am - 3:00pm New York Time and I can offer additional scheduling options early morning and late afternoon if you need them. I don't usually meet on weekends because I lead groups on Saturday and Sunday, but I might be able to meet weekends if that is your only option. Most people schedule over their lunch hour or the day they work from home. The groups meet 11:00am - 12:30pm New York time on the weekends.
Once you enroll, we can discuss when to start in the groups. Some people want to start right away and others want to meet 1:1 first. After you enroll, email me if you want to start in the groups right away at DrCherylMathews@gmail.com.
Once you enroll in the LAB, you will receive a link to my online calendar where you can schedule the one-on-one meetings. (You will also receive a link to an online calendar to reserve your spot in the group meetings).
The practice groups meet Saturday and/or Sunday from 11:00am - 12:30pm New York Time. You will receive a link to an online calendar so you can reserve your spot for a specific date. Book your spot by Friday each week.
The day we meet depends on the number of people attending on any weekend. We meet both Saturday and Sunday when we have enough people for both groups. We meet either Saturday or Sunday when we have fewer people.
When we meet Saturday and Sunday, you can attend either day depending on your schedule. Most people attend either Saturday or Sunday. Some choose to attend both Saturday and Sunday each weekend - especially if they are preparing for an upcoming speaking event.
Note that the groups require a minimum of 3 people and may be canceled due to attendance. Other people are counting on you so please only cancel in the case of emergencies.
Overcoming high speaking anxiety takes time because the fear center in your brain is programmed to believe that speaking is dangerous. It takes time for the fear center to trust that certain speaking situations are safe.
Most participants in the SpeakMeister program see a 50% reduction in their fear after completing the Desensitization Laboratory (LAB). Then there is continual progress at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. It’s like going to the gym to improve your physical fitness - it requires practicing the right way over time to make progress.
$1,175.00 includes:
- 1-year anxiety-reduction program.
- Three 1:1 meetings with Dr. Mathews and unlimited 30-minute check-ins for 1 year. (Then continue receiving unlimited checkins once you join the Practice Clubs for 1-year).
- Six group meetings facilitated by Dr. Mathews and unlimited LAB groups for 1 year. (Then continue receiving unlimited LAB groups once you join the Practice Clubs for 1-year).
- Unlimited Practice Clubs for 1 year. (Then continue receiving unlimited access to the Clubs once you join the Practice Clubs for 1-year).
- Course materials explaining anxiety causes, anxiety management techniques and other critical information for overcoming speaking anxiety.
- Lifetime access to the course materials and the private LAB Groups and Forums.
The Essentials Course ($35) is a prerequisite for the LAB and can be taken before the LAB or during the LAB. Together they cost $1,210.00.
Add the LAB to your cart and checkout with a credit card.
Note, the Essentials Course is a prerequisite for the LAB and can be taken before the LAB or during the LAB.
If you’ve already take the Essentials Course, add the LAB to your cart. If you have not taken the Essentials course, add the LAB + Essentials course to your cart.
Yes, I work with people from all over the world. There are many people who participate from Canada, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
If you live in Asia, Australia or New Zealand, I recommend you schedule a 30-minute free consultation. We’ll need to discuss adapting some aspects of the program as you won’t be able to join the groups on weekends at 11:00am New York Time. We’ll also need to find one-on-one meeting times that work for both of our time zones.
There are usually 4-6 people in each group. A minimum of 3 people is required. The group is extremely warm, friendly and supportive.
People join the group at different times so there will be people who have joined the group before you. The group is extremely warm, friendly and supportive.
I have the same educational credentials as a Psychologist (Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology) but I don't practice as a licensed Psychologist. I practice as a Coach.
One of the advantages of working as a Coach is that individuals from any location can participate in this program. Licensed Psychologists can only see clients from the state in which they are licensed (licensure is regulated by each state in the US). As a Coach, I can work with people from all over the world.
Coaches work with high-functioning people who want to improve their performance in specific areas such as speaking in groups. LAB participants are typically high-functioning professionals who want to advance their careers, achieve specific goals and improve their quality of life. This fits well with a Coaching model.
Because I am not a licensed Psychologist, I don't take insurance. Your Health Savings Account (HSA) or flex spending account most likely cannot be used for coaching.
The information that you share with me as part of this coaching relationship is confidential.
The only exceptions to confidentiality are where a client threatens to harm someone else or harm themselves. In those rare cases, I'm required by law to report to the appropriate agency.
Also be aware that the Coach-Client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege.
Yes, join the SpeakMeister Practice Clubs. Once you join the Club, you’ll be able to participate in the LAB Practice Groups and/or the other Practice Clubs.
I don’t offer discounts - the price just covers my time and costs.
I don’t offer refunds because, once you enroll in the LAB, you are able to download all of my copyrighted course materials. I spent years doing research and developing this course. It doesn’t make sense for me to allow someone to buy the course, download all the copyrighted materials then get a refund.
The key factor that makes the difference is how motivated you are and if you’re willing to put in the work desensitizing (i.e. gradual exposure). Even after the LAB is over, it requires continuing to desensitize - otherwise your anxiety will come back. So it’s a long-term commitment. If you are motivated and committed, then you’ll most likely benefit from the course. If not, then I definitely would not invest the money. Ultimately, I can’t guarantee that this will help everyone, but based on previous participants, it has been life changing for many.
Anyone who feels high levels of anxiety - or panic attacks - when speaking to others.
Understanding these annoying and distressing symptoms are key to overcoming speaking/social anxiety. The symptoms are a core part of the Essentials Course and the LAB program.