Shame is one of the most complex and powerful emotions we experience. Shame and guilt are often used interchangeably, however they are different. Guilt often centres around specific actions or behaviours (I did something wrong), whereas shame is a deep sense of unworthiness that can affect our very identity. It can be paralyzing, influencing how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us.

At its core, shame is the feeling that we are fundamentally flawed, inadequate, or "bad" in some way. It isn't about something we've done, but rather about who we are. When we feel shame, we often want to hide, withdraw, or "disappear" because we believe our very existence is unworthy of acceptance. It's a deeply isolating emotion that can leave us feeling disconnected from others and from our own sense of self.

Shame is a deeply ingrained emotion that can affect our mental health and relationships, but it is not a permanent part of who we are. Understanding where shame comes from—whether from early childhood experiences, societal pressures, or trauma—can help us start the healing process. I can help you unpack this, supporting you to be seen and understood (as scary and exposing as this may feel!)

Chances are if you often feel shame you might speak to yourself negatively, telling yourself that you are stupid, bad or not good enough. It might seem that change is impossible and it’s just who you are. But by practicing self-compassion, challenging negative self-beliefs and embracing vulnerability, we can begin to let go of shame and cultivate a sense of worthiness and acceptance in our lives.

If you’re interested in working through your sense of shame do feel free to reach out to me so we discuss I might be able to help.

I love Brene Brown's work on shame, Why not check out her video with over 20 million YouTube hits!