GUILT AND SHAME
Guilt and shame are two of the most painful—and often misunderstood—emotions we experience. They can quietly shape the way we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and the choices we make. If you’re feeling weighed down by guilt or shame, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to carry it forever. Understanding Guilt and Shame While guilt and shame often go hand in hand, they are not the same: • Guilt is the feeling that you’ve done something wrong or failed to live up to your values. It often says: “I made a mistake.” • Shame goes deeper, striking at the core of identity. It says: “I am the mistake.” Both can arise from things we’ve done—or things that were done to us. Childhood experiences, trauma, unmet expectations, societal pressures, or even unresolved grief can fuel ongoing feelings of guilt and shame, sometimes without us even realizing it.
The hidden cost of carrying guilt and shame
• Anxiety or depression • Perfectionism or people-pleasing • Low self-worth and self-criticism • Difficulty trusting or opening up to others • Feeling stuck, undeserving, or “not good enough”
In a gentle, supportive environment, I can help you:
• Identify the source of guilt and shame so you understand where these feelings come from. • Separate your identity from your past actions or experiences, learning to see yourself as more than your mistakes. • Cultivate self-forgiveness and self-compassion, allowing you to treat yourself with kindness. • Reframe painful beliefs and internal narratives, challenging harsh self-talk. • Begin rebuilding a healthy, grounded sense of self, so shame loses its power over your life.