Video: Contextualizing Shame
After we complete the step of understanding how traumatic invalidation has impacted our identity, we can take the next step of the healing process by adding in the context to create compassion.
After we understand how we have internalized a specific form of shame based on how we are treated as children (I'm unloveable, I'm stupid, I'm a burden, etc), we can take the next step of the healing process by adding in the context to create compassion.
It's not as simple as simply recognizing that we didn't deserve to internalize the shame. Healing involves a commitment to reflecting back on painful memories and stepping into them as our adult selves. Over time, this kind of reflection can transform how we feel about ourselves. It takes work, but myself and so many of my clients feel it is worth the effort. Breaking free from undeserved shame is so empowering.
