Shame, Attachment, and Psychotherapy: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology, Relational Trauma, and Harbingers of Healing

Abstract

Shame is part of our shared humanity. Shame is fundamental to our work as psychotherapists, reflecting upon experiences of self, other, and relationship. Shame also lies at the heart of psychopathology and human suffering, making understanding shame essential to our work as psychotherapists. This essay describes the phenomenology of shame, with an emphasis on its neurophysiology and Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory. Differentiating shame as emotion from shame as traumatic state of mind/body is detailed as well. Applying these perspectives to our work with shame and attachment, particularly disorganised/unresolved attachment styles, with an eye toward healing relational neglect and trauma, closes this first of a two part series on shame, attachment, and psychotherapy.

How self-blame empowers and disempowers survivors of interpersonal trauma: An intuitive inquiry.

“…The reported struggles with addictions, weight, sexual dysfunction, migraines, severe gastrointestinal problems, severe respiratory problems, and diabetes, reported in this study and others (e.g., Flanagan, 2013; Masheb et al, 1999; Scaer, 2001; Troop et al, 2006), indicate that embodied shame is an experience of perpetual trauma. Considering the empirical evidence of the link between trauma, shame, and chronic health problems, indications are that treatment focusing on shame is best served working to a goal of releasing shame from the body (Benau, 2017; Gilbert & Proctor, 2006). One objective to accomplishing that goal is resolving the trauma bond between survivors and self-blame this research unveils.…”

“…In sharp contrast to the experience of personal power with guilt, the embodied experience of powerlessness is the essence of shame (Benau, 2017; H. B. Lewis, 1971, 1987; Scaer, 2001; Tangney & Dearing, 2002) that places shame in the category of trauma.…”

“…In sharp contrast to the experience of personal power with guilt, the embodied experience of powerlessness is the essence of shame (Benau, 2017;H. B. Lewis, 1971H.…”

„Elég jó” orvosnak lenni : A szégyen felismerése és elfogadása

“…A tévesztés az emberi rendszer, s e rendszerben élô ember tényezôje. Az adaptív szégyen az ártó esemény észrevételére és megbeszélésére szólít fel (34). Az adaptív szégyen magában foglalja a szégyen felismerését, s a szégyennel való szembenézést (35).…”