The hidden damage of shame
Shame is a powerful and often silent force that can significantly hinder emotional growth. Unlike guilt, which focuses on behavior, shame targets the self—it tells us that we are inherently flawed or unworthy. According to Dr. Brené Brown, shame is "the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging" (Brown, 2012). This internalized belief can cause individuals to disconnect from themselves and others, limiting emotional resilience and personal development. At Family Strategies Counseling Center, we recognize the critical role shame plays in mental health and have designed group programs specifically to address it.
Emotional growth requires safety and connection
Growth occurs in environments where individuals feel safe to express, explore, and accept their emotions. Shame, however, undermines this process by creating fear of judgment and rejection. When individuals carry chronic shame, they often become stuck in patterns of emotional avoidance, perfectionism, or self-criticism. This leads to difficulties in forming authentic relationships and maintaining mental wellness. Our groups based on Brené Brown's research help clients identify these patterns and begin replacing them with empathy, vulnerability, and self-compassion.
Shame resilience as a developmental tool
Dr. Brown’s concept of shame resilience involves recognizing shame triggers, practicing critical awareness, reaching out to others, and speaking shame. These skills are essential for emotional maturity and relational health. At Family Strategies, we integrate this model into our group therapy programs, where participants learn to dismantle the walls shame has built around them. By normalizing shared experiences and promoting empathetic listening, group members gain courage and insight to grow emotionally.
Restoring worthiness and confidence
A significant aspect of emotional development is reclaiming one’s sense of worth. Shame often strips individuals of this inner confidence, leading to insecurity, anxiety, or depression. Through our Brene Brown-based group programs, clients learn to challenge their inner critic and affirm their inherent value. The process of being witnessed and supported by others in a therapeutic group accelerates healing and builds lasting emotional strength.
Group therapy rooted in vulnerability and courage
Family Strategies Counseling Center offers specialized group therapy programs that draw from Dr. Brown’s work, including her Daring Way™ and Rising Strong™ curriculums. These groups are designed to help clients explore vulnerability, develop shame resilience, and foster wholehearted living. By creating spaces where clients feel safe and valued, we empower them to grow emotionally, connect authentically, and live more fully.
Moving forward with courage
Shame may be a universal experience, but it does not have to define us. Emotional growth becomes possible when we learn to face shame with honesty, empathy, and support. At Family Strategies Counseling Center, we are honored to walk alongside individuals on this path. Our shame-resilience programs offer tools for healing and opportunities for deep emotional transformation.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 for a wide variety of mental health issues. Our programs for families, individuals and children can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies Counseling Center.
Reference Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.
