Therapists often feel they do not have sufficient skills to address chronic shame effectively, as it is so pervasive, embedded, hidden, and alienating. We will explore several functions of shame as a primary emotion, and how chronic shame may perpetuate other symptoms or problems in adult clients who have experienced complex trauma. Body shame will be discussed as a challenging issue that impacts sense of self, and that arises from persistent neglect and abuse. The ways in which we defend against shame will be explored. A practical integration of cognitive, emotional, somatic, and relational interventions to resolve chronic shame will be discussed. We will also explore specific “antidotes” to shame, as well as ways to help clients (and therapists) develop resilience to acute shame reactions. Most importantly, we will examine how to be with shame – our own and our clients – with curiosity and compassion, finding ways to create a safe relational space in which to deeply attune with and repair chronic shame.
Therapists often feel they do not have sufficient skills to address chronic shame effectively, as it is so pervasive, embedded, hidden, and alienating. We will explore several functions of shame as a primary emotion, and how chronic shame may perpetuate other symptoms or problems in adult clients who have experienced complex trauma. Body shame will be discussed as a challenging issue that impacts sense of self, and that arises from persistent neglect and abuse. The ways in which we defend against shame will be explored. A practical integration of cognitive, emotional, somatic, and relational interventions to resolve chronic shame will be discussed. We will also explore specific “antidotes” to shame, as well as ways to help clients (and therapists) develop resilience to acute shame reactions. Most importantly, we will examine how to be with shame – our own and our clients – with curiosity and compassion, finding ways to create a safe relational space in which to deeply attune with and repair chronic shame.
Recorded on 1st November 2022
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
Describe the several functions of shame, and the difference between healthy and chronic shame.
Discuss at least four reasons why people may develop chronic shame.
List the four defensive scripts described in the Compass of Shame and identify them in yourself and a client.
Employ at least three cognitive, three emotional, and three somatic interventions to diminish chronic shame.
Describe the physiology of shame.
List at least three ways to support the development of shame resilience in ourselves and our clients.
About the Speaker
Kathy Steele, MN, CS has been in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia for over three decades, specializing in the treatment of complex trauma, dissociation, attachment difficulties, and the challenges of complicated therapies. She is an adjunct faculty at Emory University, and a Fellow and past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Ms. Steele teaches internationally and consults with individuals, groups, and trauma programs. She has received a number of awards for her clinical and published works, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSTD. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, and has co-authored three books, including The Haunted Self (2006), Coping with Trauma-related Dissociation (2011), and Treating Trauma-related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative Approach (2017).
CPD/CE
CPD & CE credits available: 6
How do I receive these credits?
The participant must pass the multiple-choice test with a minimum score of 80%. There is a maximum of three attempts to achieve this.
The post-test is included in the price of the training.
Does my regulatory body accept the credits?
The CPD & CE credits awarded can be used towards your declaration to any governing regulatory body in your state or country, provided the content is relevant to your discipline.
Our trainings are accredited by:
– The CPD Group, London
– Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
– Australian Counselling Association
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Treating Chronic Shame in Complex Trauma – Kathy Steele
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