Understanding and Working with Guilt and Shame in the Traumatized Client

Course overview

The experience of trauma, abuse, or neglect impacts clients' thoughts, feelings, and behavioral choices in a myriad of ways. However, there is a universal component as well: most trauma survivors grapple with varying degrees of guilt and shame. These emotions are so pervasive they are often accepted and "normalized" as an inevitable and intractable part of a trauma survivor's daily existence. Yet "trauma-informed" therapists know that until these powerful and debilitating emotions are identified and addressed, it is nearly impossible for clients to achieve the level of healing they deserve and need. Regardless of the therapeutic approach, when clients continue to live with unmetabolized guilt and shame therapy can stall and a glass ceiling gets placed on the extent to which they can more forward in their personal and professional lives. These clients remain vulnerable to negative self-talk, are far more likely to engage in a wide range of self-destructive behaviors, and either stay in unfulfilling and emotionally abusive relationships or refrain from any emotional intimacy at all. In this presentation, Lisa Ferentz will provide a clinical framework so therapists can compassionately assist their clients in understanding and addressing the root causes of guilt and shame. We will explore the importance of incorporating psychoeducation so clients gain insight and awareness about the inevitable byproducts and coping strategies that are associated with trauma. We will also identify and process creative strategies that use the power of the therapeutic relationship, cognitive re-framing, parts work, and somatic and expressive modalities that allow for the processing and releasing these toxic emotions.