I have an immense passion for normalizing mental health and wellness, and reducing the stigma that is often associated. Additionally, I am a huge advocate of encouraging self-compassion and love throughout one's mental health and wellness journey. While participating on my own adventure of personal growth, I became inspired to research, write, and share information with all of you. Life can be hard- please know you are not alone!
Read more below!
A Shame-Sensitive Approach to Therapy
There are three major concepts of a shame sensitive approach to therapy:
1) Shame is inevitable (just like trauma);
2) Shame is unpleasant, and because of this, many people avoid it (to a detriment); and
3) Service providers need to respond appropriately to clients shame to mitigate negative impacts and retraumatization (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Shame and its Impact on Mental Health
Experiencing shame can bring up feelings of rejection, inadequacy, inferiority, disrespect, worthlessness, insignificance, failure and even disgrace (Gilligan, 2003, as cited in Dolezal & Gibson, 2022). It is no wonder then, that such a powerful emotion plays a major role and presence after trauma has occurred (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Shame kills our capacity to experience positive emotions
-Ruth Lanius
Shame is an important topic related to mental health but it is not all doom and gloom. We must remember that all emotions, including shame are unavoidable in our lives (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022). Additionally, healthy shame does exist and can act as a very effective stimulus for change in one's life (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Healing Trauma with EMDR: Understanding How Unresolved Wounds Affect Our Mind and Body Today
The past is the present- Our mind and body is intertwined.
Previous traumatic memories and experiences are stored within us and may influence our current self, whether we recognize it or not. These old memories impact our daily life in the way of our thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviours. These responses may not always seem appropriate. Our bodies and minds may not realize we are in the present day, and we are still reacting to "old stuff" to keep us safe. When this happens, our neural networks may have become blocked, preventing natural healing processes.