By Dr. Floyd Godfrey
Shame is a universal emotion, yet it remains one of the most silencing and isolating experiences for individuals. Renowned researcher Dr. Brené Brown has spent over two decades studying vulnerability, shame, and empathy, bringing attention to how shame can compromise our capacity for emotional and spiritual well-being. In therapeutic settings, shame is often a core issue underlying symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction, and relational dysfunction. Understanding Brown’s insights into shame is essential for clinicians and clients alike, especially when fostering deeper healing and transformation.
Understanding Shame and Vulnerability
Brown defines shame as the intensely painful feeling of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging (Brown, 2012). It differs from guilt, which is tied to behavior (“I did something bad”), while shame is linked to identity (“I am bad”). This internalized self-condemnation can distort a person’s self-image, making it difficult to engage in honest relationships or trust others. When individuals live in a cycle of shame, they often develop maladaptive coping strategies such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional numbing—all of which stunt growth and disconnect them from authentic living.
Brown’s concept of vulnerability, on the other hand, is the gateway to meaningful connection. Vulnerability involves emotional risk and openness—traits often mistaken for weakness. Yet, Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is the birthplace of love, joy, courage, and creativity. For clients in recovery or therapy, learning to embrace vulnerability is foundational to restoring their emotional and spiritual identity.
Educational Strategies
Education about shame must begin with helping clients recognize their internal shame dialogue. Therapists can use psychoeducational tools to differentiate between guilt and shame, identify personal shame triggers, and explore the origins of shame-based thinking. According to Brown (2012), empathy is the most effective antidote to shame. Teaching clients to share their stories with safe, trusted individuals creates space for emotional healing and reconnection with the self.
For clinicians, normalizing shame in session can help reduce its secrecy and power. Group therapy or support groups can also provide a platform where shared vulnerability leads to mutual validation and support. Professionals should consider incorporating Brown’s curriculum, such as “The Daring Way,” which offers structured exercises to build resilience and cultivate self-compassion.
The Role of Therapeutic Intervention
Therapeutic work targeting shame must integrate both cognitive and experiential components. Cognitive restructuring can help clients reframe shame-based beliefs, while experiential methods such as inner child work, expressive arts, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can access shame rooted in past trauma. Brown (2015) emphasizes that spiritual connection—defined as the belief in a greater power that values us—can also help counteract the spiritual isolation shame creates.
It is crucial for therapists to model empathy and authenticity. A shame-resilient client often emerges in an environment where the clinician holds space without judgment. Furthermore, exploring how shame has distorted a client’s understanding of their value and spirituality can open new avenues for healing. Clients frequently report a reawakening of faith or purpose once shame no longer dominates their inner dialogue.
Hope for Recovery
Shame thrives in silence, but healing begins with voice and vulnerability. By integrating Brené Brown’s research into therapeutic practice, professionals can help clients reclaim emotional freedom and spiritual wholeness. Shame does not need to be a life sentence; with awareness, empathy, and the courage to be vulnerable, individuals can recover a sense of self that is deeply rooted in worthiness and connection.
Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Certified Mental Health Coach and has been guiding clients since 2000. He currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about his services please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com
References
Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.
Brown, B. (2015). Rising strong: How the ability to reset transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Spiegel & Grau.
