For me personally, anxiety in social situations often is caused by sensory overstimulation. Background music, multiple people speaking, missing social cues - this adds up and makes me dread larger group settings because I know I will be overwhelmeld at some point. It helps knowing that the group is aware of my issues but I've had my share of outbursts or visits cut short which sucks!
This may be what your psychologist referred to as being aware of your needs? Being aware of when you may need a break or start to become more agitated in a social setting so maybe you can take a break or use earplugs / Loops?