140. Why Feedback Feels Like Criticism: Shame, Perfectionism & Emotional Triggers

In this episode of Roots of the Rise, we explore why feedback can feel so deeply personal — and why some people hear criticism even when constructive feedback is being offered. Sarah Hope dives into the connection between shame, perfectionism, defensiveness, trauma, and the nervous system, explaining how past experiences shape the way we receive correction, guidance, and emotional discomfort.You’ll learn the difference between criticism vs feedback, why defensiveness is often a form of self-protection rather than ego, how perfectionism creates fear around mistakes, and why being corrected can sometimes feel like rejection. This episode also offers practical tools for receiving feedback with more curiosity, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and discernment — without collapsing into shame.If you struggle with taking things personally, feeling overly sensitive to criticism, people pleasing, perfectionism, or emotional defensiveness, this conversation will help you better understand yourself and others with greater compassion.Topics include:criticism vs feedbackshame and the nervous systemperfectionism and self-worthdefensiveness and emotional triggerstaking things personallyemotional regulationhealing shameself-awareness and growthtrauma responses and feedbacklearning how to receive feedback in healthy waysRelated Episodes:Episode 6 - Curiosity RequiredEpisode 55 - Breaking the Silence: How Shame Holds Us Back and How to Heal139. Learn The Four Agreements And Start Living With More Peace and ClarityQuestions or Comments? Message me!Support the showInterested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditations and more? Listen to the membership episode to learn more, or Go here to check it out for one week free!Stay connected by signing up for my newsletter or checking out all my offerings at www.risingwithsarah.com