Chronic shame often underlies stuck places and lack of progress in therapy and is an enduring problem in clients who have experienced complex trauma.

By its very nature, shame is hidden from others, including the therapist, and is difficult to acknowledge. Shame is re-experienced in similar ways as traumatic memories, with symptoms of intrusion, avoidance and arousal, and thus must be approached carefully within a window of tolerance of the client. Therapists often feel they do not have sufficient skills to address shame effectively, as it is so powerful, embedded, alienating and disconnecting. Talking about shame is often an ineffective strategy by itself.

We explore several functions of shame, distinctions between shame and guilt, and how chronic shame may perpetuate other symptoms or problems. A practical integration of cognitive, emotional, relational and somatic interventions to resolve chronic shame will be discussed. We will also explore specific antidotes to shame, as well as ways to help clients (and therapists) develop resilience to shame reactions. Most importantly, we will examine how to be with shame – our own and our clients – with curiosity and compassion, finding ways to create a safe relational space in which to deeply attune with and repair our client’s chronic shame.

At the end of this series, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the several functions of shame, and the difference between healthy and chronic shame;
2. Describe at least four antidotes to shame;
3. List the four defensive scripts described in the compass of shame;
4. Employ at least three cognitive, three emotional, and three somatic interventions to diminish chronic shame;
5. List at least three ways to support the development of shame resilience in ourselves and our clients.

About the Presenter

Kathy Steele, MN, CS has been in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia for over three decades, specialising in the treatment of complex trauma, dissociation, attachment difficulties, and the challenges of complicated therapies. She is an adjunct faculty at Emory University, and a Fellow and past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Ms Steele teaches internationally and consults with individuals, groups, and trauma programs. She has received a number of awards for her clinical and published works, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSTD.