Breaking Free from the Chains of Shame
Episode Overview
Shame is a belief about your identity, not your actions. Shame can cause physical symptoms like chest tightness. Trauma survivors often carry shame from past experiences. Healing involves both somatic bodywork and cognitive tools. Support from professionals can help rebuild self-worth.
"Shame isn't about what you did; it's about what you believe you are."
Have you ever felt like you're carrying around a heavy backpack full of shame that doesn't even belong to you? In this episode of The Trauma Recovery School, Bonita Ackerman du Preez unpacks the concept of shame and its insidious impact on those who have experienced trauma. Bonita, an award-winning trauma recovery therapist, shares how shame isn't about what you've done but rather what you believe you are.
She explains how this emotion can manifest physically, tightening your chest or flushing your face, leading to isolation or people-pleasing as a way to escape discomfort. Bonita's discussion dives into the distinction between shame and guilt, revealing how shame is a belief that you are inherently flawed. It's not just in your head – it lives in your body and affects your relationships.
You'll hear about how shame can trigger spirals when something seemingly small happens, like forgetting a task or receiving criticism. But fear not, Bonita assures you that there's a way out. By bringing shame into the light and working on both the brain and body, you can loosen its grip. Bonita advocates for a structured process that includes somatic bodywork, breathwork, and cognitive tools to shift the leftover beliefs from trauma.
With support from her team, including nutritional expert Keri and confidence coach Megan, you'll find a bespoke framework to help you rebuild self-worth and confidence. The episode encourages you to reclaim your narrative and live free from the chains of shame. If you've ever thought you're broken, Bonita wants you to know you're not alone – and you're definitely not broken. So why not listen to this episode and start rewriting your story today?