About this resource
Guilt says 'I did something bad'; shame says 'I am bad'. This handout explains the difference, how each feels and affects behaviour, why shame often leads to hiding or withdrawing and gentle ways to respond, such as naming it, self-compassion and connection.
Purpose
To help clients recognise shame and respond with more compassion.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Counsellors and therapists. Also relevant for psychologists, social workers, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Adolescents and adults in counselling.
Practice setting: Counselling, as psychoeducation.
Suggested uses
- Psychoeducation
- Self-criticism
- After mistakes or harm
- Group programs
Instructions for practitioners
- Introduce gently; shame can be painful to discuss.
- Normalise shame as a human experience.
- Link to self-compassion work.
- Be aware shame can relate to trauma; go at the client's pace.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read the handout.
- Notice when shame shows up.
- Try one gentle response.
Accessibility considerations
Plain language. Can be read aloud.
Scope and limitations
General psychoeducation for use alongside counselling.
Research basis
Higher self-compassion is associated with lower distress, and compassion-focused approaches target self-criticism and shame. Brief psychoeducation can reduce symptoms of depression and psychological distress.
- Donker, T., Griffiths, K. M., Cuijpers, P., & Christensen, H. (2009). Psychoeducation for depression, anxiety and psychological distress: a meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 7(1), 79. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-7-79
- Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(3), 199–208. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.107.005264
- MacBeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012). Exploring compassion: A meta-analysis of the association between self-compassion and psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(6), 545–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2012.06.003
- NEFF, K. (2003). Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
