Kina Penelope
Kina Penelope
Working with shame in trauma therapy
Working with shame in trauma therapy
Working with shame in trauma therapy
Wednesday 6th November 2024
Kina Penelope explores how shame develops from trauma, its protective role, and effective therapeutic approaches to healing.
21 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Encouraging
Healing
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Kina Penelope
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Links:
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Episodes:
46 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Shame in Trauma Therapy
Episode Overview
- Shame often develops from childhood experiences of neglect or abuse.
- Distinguishing between shame (feeling inherently flawed) and guilt (feeling bad for actions).
- Shame can provide a false sense of control in chaotic environments.
- Therapists should develop compassion for clients' shame rather than rushing to eradicate it.
- Letting go of shame involves facing intense emotions like grief and rage.
"Shame feels so terrible that it's hard to imagine it could have protective purposes"
Shame can be a heavy burden to carry, especially for those dealing with complex trauma. In this episode of the Complex Trauma Recovery podcast, Kina Penelope dives deep into the intricate relationship between shame and trauma therapy. She explains how shame develops, often from childhood experiences of neglect or abuse, and how it serves as a protective mechanism.
Kina distinguishes shame from guilt, highlighting that while guilt is about feeling bad for actions, shame is about feeling inherently flawed as a person. This episode sheds light on why children internalise mistreatment and how this belief system carries into adulthood, affecting self-worth and self-esteem. Kina also discusses the role of shame in providing a false sense of control for children in chaotic environments. By believing they are the problem, children can feel they have some influence over their circumstances.
This belief, although painful, can offer a sense of safety amidst the helplessness. As adults, letting go of shame can be challenging because it means facing the grief and rage tied to past traumas. The episode further explores how therapists can effectively work with clients struggling with shame. Kina emphasises the importance of developing compassion for the part of oneself that carries shame, rather than rushing to eradicate it.
She warns against the common therapeutic mistake of trying to rescue clients from their shame too quickly, which can lead to compounded feelings of worthlessness. Kina’s compassionate approach encourages a slow, empathetic process that honours the protective function of shame. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complex dynamics of shame in trauma therapy and seeking strategies for healing. Are you ready to explore the depths of your emotions and find new ways to heal?
This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone on a journey of recovery.