Getting Unstuck from Shame

Getting Unstuck From Shame: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit with Natacha PierreOn the My Story Medicine podcast, host Dr. T Lo interviews psychiatric mental health and adult nurse practitioner Natacha Pierre, founder of Bright Path Wellness LLC, about getting unstuck from shame—especially for women of faith who are carrying stress and emotional heaviness in silence. Natacha explains how shame is rooted in low self-worth, comparison, and external expectations, and distinguishes it from guilt, which is tied to internalized failure after action. She describes signs of unresolved shame, including physiological impacts (stress response, sleep issues, weight gain, blood pressure and hormone concerns) and mental health effects (irritability, poor relationships, resentment, focus and memory problems) that can contribute to diagnosable conditions over time. The conversation emphasizes healing through acknowledging shame, therapy options, community support, and integrating faith, prayer, and scripture with mental health care.00:00 Heavy Burden Intro00:36 Podcast Welcome01:15 Meet Natacha Pierre02:18 Why Shame Shows Up04:01 Defining Shame04:59 Guilt Versus Shame08:00 Signs of Unresolved Shame10:34 Shame and Identity12:56 Why Women Stay Silent14:36 High Achievers and Shame16:53 Healing Starts Here19:17 Therapy and Tools22:38 Faith and Mental Health27:38 Final Encouragement29:36 Rapid Fire Wrap31:47 Closing and Next StepsAbout Today’s Guest: Natacha R. Pierre, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, ANP-BCNatacha Pierre is a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with more than 28 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate mental health challenges and life transitions. She is the Founder and CEO of Bright Path Wellness, LLC, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based care focused on emotional wellness and long-term wellbeing.Throughout her career, Natacha has worked across clinical practice, school-based mental health services, family education, community outreach, advocacy, and program development. She is passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening families, and equipping communities with practical tools to build resilience and thrive.Natacha has a special interest in supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by mental health conditions and neurodivergent differences, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and tic-related conditions. Her work bridges the gap between healthcare, education, and community resources to create more holistic and compassionate support systems.Beyond her clinical work, Natacha develops educational workshops and community initiatives that increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and help individuals and families access the resources they need to flourish.Connect with Natacha:Visit her Linktree for resources, social media, and more:https://linktr.ee/brightpathwellnessllcIf you would like to connect further please visit https://mystorymedicine.substack.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/mystorymedicine/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mystorymedicine.substack.com