Overcoming Shame: A Path to Healing and Empowerment (Live)

Shame is a powerful and deeply ingrained emotion that can shape a person’s self-perception, relationships, and overall well-being. This two-hour seminar will explore the origins of shame, its psychological and physiological effects, and practical strategies for overcoming it. Participants will engage in experiential exercises, discussions, and evidence-based techniques to transform shame into self-compassion, resilience, and personal empowerment.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Nature of Shame: Differentiate between shame and guilt, recognize how shame develops, and identify its impact on thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
2. Recognize the Physiological and Psychological Impact: Understand the neurobiology of shame, including its effects on the brain and nervous system.
3. Identify Personal Shame Triggers: Explore how shame manifests in daily life and uncover hidden shame-based narratives.
4. Develop Strategies to Overcome Shame – Learn cognitive, behavioral, and somatic techniques for healing shame and fostering self-compassion.
5. Cultivate Healthy Connections – Explore the role of relationships, vulnerability, and community in shame resilience.

Topics Covered

Understanding Shame

• Defining Shame vs. Guilt: Understanding the distinction and why shame is often toxic.
• The Origins of Shame: Early life experiences, cultural influences, and societal expectations.
• The Neurobiology of Shame: How the brain and nervous system respond to shame.
• Guided Reflection: Identifying personal experiences of shame in a safe and supportive environment.

The Impact of Shame

• Shame-Based Thinking Patterns: Perfectionism, people-pleasing, avoidance, and self-criticism.
• Shame and the Body: The physiological toll of chronic shame.
• Shame’s Influence on Relationships: How shame affects connection, communication, and vulnerability.
• Small Group Discussion: Recognizing shame narratives and their impact on daily life.

Transforming Shame

• Recognizing Shame: Bringing hidden shame to awareness.
• Critical Awareness: Challenging negative self-beliefs.
• Reaching Out: The role of empathy, safe relationships, and community.
• Speaking Shame: The power of naming and normalizing shame experiences.
• Self-Compassion Techniques: Guided self-compassion exercise.
• Somatic Approaches: Breath awareness, grounding techniques, and movement-based release.
• Cognitive Reframing: Identifying and challenging shame-based thoughts.

Integrating Healing Practices

• Creating a Shame-Resilient Identity: Shifting from self-judgment to self-acceptance.
• Developing an Action Plan: Personalized strategies for ongoing shame resilience.
• Closing Exercise: Writing a self-compassionate letter or affirmation to reinforce new beliefs.