What is it with people recommending a psychologist nowadays for folks who suffer from anxiety?!
People have been suffering from anxiety since the dawn of humanity. Some things are really freaky. You don't need to waste a bunch of money on some shmuck with a sheepskin. You'll feel better when you're safe at home--until then: soldier on.
I think this anxiety factor isn't just in chess, as I said. I live in a golf club community. Only 25% of the people here play golf. Why is that? They are paying for the golf course environment...why not play???
Well, some people can't for a variety of reasons. Some just don't have any interest. The thing is, many have tried...even taking a few lessons...and given up too quickly.
Why? You get mixed in a foursome. Now, I had been away from golf many years and had to go through the basics all over again. You get up to the T...three other pairs of eyeballs watching...maybe even four more pairs, when holes are "backed up". Some of the guys hit the ball what seems like a mile. Now it's your turn. They are watching. You take a swing...much harder than you really should...and you are anxious...tense... You hit the ball, a glancing blow...and it is a "worm burner"...it skitters off the T and goes maybe 20 yards, hugging the ground...that's why they call it a "worm burner".
As you turn and look at the other guys...they don't make eye contact. They have very somber facial expressions. They aren't snickering...but... You feel like 2-cents! What you going to do? T up again? Hit a second worm burner?
My point is...I went down to the range, daily and practiced, practiced, practiced. Nobody there cares how you hit the ball...they are all self absorbed. Take some lessons, too. Now...go out there and play. Whole different story.
This is how to build confidence...in golf...in chess.
Been there; done that...with both.
Chess is a game of contention. It's not for everyone. My neighbor took up fly fishing and always goes alone. He seems to be happy with that choice.
The golf analogy makes sense, CS!
Great...come on up...I'll play you $5 a game. 
Blocked? What does that mean?
Thanks for the invite. Golf season just started here in Fort Collins. I'll keep you in mind for later.
I used to play years of tournament chess before I played online. Now I play my chess computers or online blitz. I must say, I'd much rather play OTB chess than online blitz. When I lose in OTB, it can be painful, but for some reason, I get less mad than when playing a total stranger online. Online blitz is so convenient, so easy...but I hate losing on time, or to some simple trick. I don't learn as much. With OTB chess, you can see your opponent, and they are usually a decent fellow, and so losing to them is less painful than thinking you lost to some 12 year old who calls you names in chat!
I'll admit to playing in fear. I don't play online, just at local clubs and/or tournaments. I don't consider myself antisocial. I prefer playing OTB to playing online simply because it's more direct and social.
I enjoy meeting friends and aquaintances at events. I'm not threatened or uncomfortable. I'm having fun. But sit me down at the board and it's a different thing. It's not so much the higher-rated players that bother me. It's my equals and most especially those who are rated well below me. I'm afraid I'll be embarrassed, that I'll be exposed as some sort of mental fraud. I'm no genius, and I've got a mediocre rating, but that doesn't mean I don't jealously guard what points I have. Put me opposite some 11-year-old kid in my rating range or below and I'm ashamed to say I'm breathing a sigh of relief when the ordeal is over.
If I win that is.