Overcoming Shame: The Path to Healing and Self-Acceptance
Shame is, as the well-known psychologist Belaruth Nepristec described it, a complex and immobilizing emotion that can arise from a wounding trauma in childhood or fear of being rejected by a group. It can affect every aspect of our lives, leading to a detachment from our authentic self and a deep sense of worthlessness. However, understanding the root of shame and learning to solve problems can be a powerful path to growth and empowerment.
One of the root causes of toxic shame, Nepristec explains, is the experience of trauma, abuse, and humiliation during childhood. This can lead individuals to internalize a pervasive sense of badness, believing that something is wrong with them. Otherwise, fear of being ostracized from a group, whether it be family, colleagues, friends, or neighbors, can also give rise to deep feelings of rejection and shame.
The impact of shame, especially during adolescence, can be particularly profound. The pain of rejection and exclusion can feel like a death sentence, as our primal instincts link exclusion from the group with our survival. Understanding these fundamental causes of shame is key to starting the journey towards healing.
Recognizing the physical manifestations of shame and humiliation in our vital bodies is a vital step in overcoming these deeply rooted emotions. Through the training described by Nepristec, individuals can learn to adopt physical positions of shame and gradually adopt positions of pride and dignity. This process helps individuals to process their experiences and free themselves from the pressure of shame, enabling a feeling of acceptance and compassion.
The path to overcoming shame is not easy. It requires self-reflection, self-awareness and the willingness to examine past wounds. However, by recognizing the history of shame, understanding its impact on our bodies and actively working to transform our experiences, we can begin to liberate ourselves from its grip.
The path to overcoming shame is a deeply personal and transformative process. By recognizing the root causes of shame, recognizing its physical manifestations and actively working to transform our experiences, we can take the first steps towards acceptance and empowerment. By self-awareness and a passionate focus on oneself, it is possible to free oneself from the shackles of shame and to discover one’s innate worth and dignity.
*Keywords: shame, the domination of shame, gestalt psychotherapy, somatic experiencing therapy, psychotherapist Zagreb
*Photo: GettyImages
*Contact: Dogovori termin
*For companies: Kreativni Direktor
