#65- Guilt and Shame

‘Guilt and shame’ are common feelings that are part of the human experience and are regularly addressed in the process of therapy. Animals who live by their limiting and rigid instincts do not suffer from the internal struggle of these emotions. It is the struggle around these emotions that is often tied to addictions and mental health issues. In this podcast we will discuss the difference between guilt and shame as well as the difference between ‘healthy shame’ and ‘toxic shame’. While toxic shame can overwhelm and paralyze a person, healthy shame is value-based and can motivate a person to align with one’s integrity and toward healthy social interaction. Join us for a discussion of the paradoxical aspects that encompass guilt and shame and our struggle to stay balanced as part of the human condition. Healthy shame is a temporary, value-based signal that you've done something wrong (e.g., "I did something bad"), prompting you to correct behavior, make amends, and learn, unlike toxic shame, which is a global, paralyzing belief that "I am a bad person," leading to self-disgust and stagnation. It's an adaptive emotion for social connection, helping you align with your integrity, understand social rules, and foster humility, while toxic shame stems from feeling inherently flawed and unworthy.