
For those carrying shame or guilt, this is a safe space and you are welcome here.
Maybe this sounds familiar...
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Feeling a constant inner critic or self-judgment
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Carrying guilt over past mistakes or choices
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Feeling unworthy or “not enough”
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Reliving moments you wish you could change
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Feeling embarrassed or exposed even in small situations
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Experiencing tension or heaviness in your body when shame arises
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Avoiding others or withdrawing to hide your feelings
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Comparing yourself harshly to others and feeling lacking
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Feeling stuck, unable to move past what happened
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Needing gentle, non-judgmental spaces to be seen and accepted
What we can explore together
Shame and guilt are feelings many of us carry as if they were taught. From a young age, we may have learned that mistakes make us “bad,” that our feelings are too much, or that we aren’t enough. Over time, these messages can settle deep inside, whispering that we are flawed.
Here, those parts of you are welcomed and seen. This is a space to soften the inner critic, feel held, and remember that you are enough just as you are.
Understanding and Naming Your Shame and Guilt
The first step is often simply noticing and naming these feelings without judgment. Shame and guilt can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even invisible at times, but bringing them into awareness is powerful. In therapy, we can gently explore where these feelings come from, how they show up in your body and mind, and the ways they impact your life. By putting words to what you’re experiencing, you can begin to separate your identity from these painful emotions and see them as signals, not truths about your worth.
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Working with the Inner Critic
Shame and guilt are often amplified by an inner voice that is harsh, critical, or unforgiving. This part of you may have learned to protect you, but it can end up creating more pain. Together, we can gently meet this inner critic, understand its intentions, and learn to respond with compassion instead of fear. Therapy provides a safe space to soften self-judgment, build self-compassion, and begin to hear yourself with the same kindness you might offer a dear friend.
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Building Healing Practices and Self-Compassion
Healing from shame and guilt isn’t just about understanding—it’s also about nurturing and caring for yourself in new ways. This may include learning grounding techniques, working with your nervous system, or cultivating practices that help you feel safe, supported, and embodied in your own skin. Through therapy, you can develop habits and tools that remind you of your inherent worth, help regulate intense emotions, and support a gentler, more compassionate relationship with yourself over time.
Types of Guilt and Shame​​
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Survivor Guilt – Feeling guilty for surviving or being better off than others.
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Moral or Ethical Guilt – Feeling you’ve done something wrong, broken a rule, or hurt someone.
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Responsibility Guilt – Feeling responsible for things outside your control.
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Perfectionism-Related Guilt – Feeling guilty for not being “good enough” or meeting high standards.
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Parental or Caregiver Guilt – Feeling guilty about choices affecting children or those you care for.
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Relational Guilt – Feeling guilt in friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics.​
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Internal Shame – Feeling inherently flawed, unworthy, or “bad.”
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External or Social Shame – Worrying how others see you, fearing judgment or rejection.
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Body Shame – Feeling shame about appearance, physicality, or bodily experiences.
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Trauma-Related Shame – Shame connected to past abuse, neglect, or adverse experiences.
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Existential or Identity Shame – Shame about who you are, your identity, or your life circumstances.
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Chronic or Hidden Shame – Persistent shame that feels like a core part of you, often invisible to others.