Shame from Childhood Trauma: A Path to Self-Compassion

Shame that stems from childhood trauma runs deep, often shaping core beliefs about self-worth, relationships, and safety. Therapy is one of the best ways to work through this because it provides a safe, supportive space to explore those early experiences, understand their impact, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

A skilled therapist can help:

·       Identify and process the root causes of shame.

·       Challenge the inner critic and self-blame.

·       Develop self-compassion and emotional regulation skills.

·       Create new, healthier narratives about your past and present.

·       Work with inner child healing through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to unburden the parts of you that carry shame.

·       Integrate holistic mind-body healing through somatic experiencing therapy and bodywork to help the young parts that were hurt feel seen and heal.

Healing Through Inner Child Work and IFS Therapy Many people carry shame from childhood wounds, often held by younger parts of themselves that still seek safety and validation. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a powerful approach to healing by helping you connect with these parts, understand their burdens, and release shame in a compassionate way. By acknowledging these inner child parts and offering them the care and reassurance they needed in the past, you can begin to experience profound emotional relief and self-acceptance.

Mind-Body Integration for Deeper Healing Holistic approaches, including somatic experiencing therapy and bodywork, support the healing process by addressing how trauma is stored in the body. Through guided body awareness, movement, and gentle touch, these methods help release stored tension, reconnect with bodily sensations, and create a sense of safety. This integrative approach ensures that healing happens on both a cognitive and physical level, fostering deep emotional transformation.

How Do You React to Shame? Shame affects everyone differently. Some common reactions include:

·       Withdrawal & Hiding – Avoiding others or shutting down emotionally.

·       People-Pleasing – Seeking approval or over-apologizing.

·       Defensiveness & Anger – Lashing out or blaming others.

·       Self-Criticism – Engaging in negative self-talk.

·       Numbing & Avoidance – Distracting yourself with work, social media, or other habits.

Recognizing these reactions is the first step to breaking free from them. By increasing awareness and practicing self-compassion, you can begin to change how you respond to shame and develop healthier coping strategies.

If you’re interested in exploring this journey further, I’m here to support you. Feel free to reach out.

With compassion,