Therapy for Shame
What is Shame?​​​
Brene Brown, a leading expert on shame research, defines shame as: "the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging—something we’ve experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection."
It's an intense emotional experience that tells us, “I am flawed” or “I am unworthy.” Unlike guilt, which is about a specific action (“I did something wrong”), shame is about feeling that you are wrong, defective, or fatally flawed.
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Shame can be internalized from early experiences, critical relationships, cultural messages, or trauma. It often shows up as:
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Self-criticism or harsh internal dialogue
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Avoidance of connection or intimacy
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Perfectionism or overachievement
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Social withdrawal
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Anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges
​​Common Signs of Shame
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You may be experiencing shame if you notice:
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Harsh self-judgment or feelings of “not good enough”
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Difficulty accepting compliments or praise
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Avoiding vulnerability or intimacy
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People-pleasing or perfectionism to mask inadequacy
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Feeling unworthy, defective, or fundamentally flawed
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Self-isolation or withdrawal from social situations
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Anxiety, depression, or persistent guilt
Recognizing shame is the first step toward healing — and therapy offers a safe space to explore these painful feelings.
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How Does Shame Develop?​
Shame usually develops through a combination of early experiences, social conditioning, and internalized messages. Some common contributing factors include:
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Childhood experiences of criticism, neglect, or inconsistent care
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Bullying, social exclusion, or judgment from peers
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Cultural or societal pressures to be “perfect”
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Trauma or abuse
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Internalizing messages that self-worth depends on achievement, appearance, or approval
Over time, shame becomes a lens through which we interpret our actions and relationships, often leading to avoidance, self-criticism, or unhealthy coping strategies.
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How Can Reclaim Psychotherapy Help?​
At Reclaim Psychotherapy, we use evidence-based approaches to help you process and heal shame, rebuild self-worth, and cultivate compassion for yourself and others.
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Our therapists draw from:
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Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Specifically designed to address shame, self-criticism, and the inner voice of judgment.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns that fuel shame.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages you to accept difficult feelings while committing to living according to your values.
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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Supports emotional awareness and expression, helping you process and release shame-based emotions.
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Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): Cultivates present-moment awareness and self-compassion, reducing over-identification with shame.
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Therapy is tailored to your unique needs, providing both insight and practical strategies to navigate shame and create a healthier relationship with yourself.​
Ready to take the first step? Get in touch today!
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Shame doesn’t have to define your life. Therapy can help you understand its origins, reduce its hold, and cultivate self-compassion, resilience, and connection.
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At Reclaim Psychotherapy, we provide a safe and supportive environment to help you reclaim your sense of worth and live more authentically.
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Reach out by phone, text, or email using the details or form below. We're here to answer your questions and help you get started.
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Want to book right away? Use the link below to schedule a consultation anytime—it’s quick and easy.