Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame with Kathy Steele

Chronic shame significantly impedes individuals from fully engaging with their lived experiences. Its elusive nature makes it challenging to acknowledge and address. Like traumatic memories, shameful memories resurface with symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, and arousal, requiring careful navigation within the client’s window of tolerance.

In therapy, chronic shame silently erects barriers that hinder progress, leaving therapists feeling ill-equipped to effectively address its pervasive, embedded, alienating, and disconnecting effects. Merely discussing shame often proves to be an insufficient strategy.

In this professional continuing education workshop, we will explore the multifaceted functions of chronic shame. We’ll also look at how it cunningly disguises itself beneath other symptoms and problems. And we will dissect the typical defences that obstruct an individual’s ability to be present with themselves and others in the face of shame.

Through an integrated approach encompassing cognitive, emotional, relational, and somatic interventions, participants of this workshop will gain practical tools to skillfully address chronic shame. We will explore specific “antidotes” to shame that empower clients to break free from its grip. Additionally, we will focus on fostering resilience in both clients and therapists, equipping them with techniques to navigate and transcend shame reactions.

Central to this workshop is the examination of shame, both in our clients and within ourselves, approached with curiosity and compassion. We will examine ways to create a secure relational space where deep attunement and repair of chronic shame can occur.

Join us for this transformative workshop where you will acquire invaluable expertise to support clients in overcoming chronic shame. Together, we will forge a path toward lasting healing, personal growth, and empowerment.