Shame is a universal human experience, yet it is one of the most isolating emotions we can feel. While many emotions pass with time, chronic shame often lingers in the shadows, whispering that we are fundamentally flawed, “not good enough,” or unworthy of love and connection.
At Taylor Counseling Group, we understand that living under the weight of shame is exhausting. Our counseling services are designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and non‑judgmental space to work through shame and experiences of low self‑worth.
- Meet Our Therapists
- Understanding the Difference Between Shame and Guilt
- How Chronic Shame Impacts Your Life and Relationships
- Our Approach to Shame-Informed Therapy
- What to Expect in Shame Counseling at Taylor Counseling Group
With a deeper sense of understanding, we’ll be able to create a treatment plan to help control anxiety and improve your overall health and wellness.
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Jennifer Sprague
Fort Worth
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Lindsey Goodman, LPC-Associate, M.Ed.
Galleria
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James Ritchie, M.A., LPC
San Antonio
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Matthew Spikes, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Jasmin Sanchez, M.S, LPC
Fort Worth
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Gabrielle White, M.A., LCSW
Waco
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Harry Carpio, M.S, LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Tichina Lynch, M.A., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Lori Caperton, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Ileana Villarreal, M.A., LMFT
San Antonio
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Nicole Garth, M.S., LPC-Associate
Dallas
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Kristen Martinez, MSW, LCSW
Fort Worth
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Megan Schaefer, M.S., LPC
San Antonio
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Desi Richardson, M.A., LPC
Fort Worth
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Jesse Gill, MSW, LCSW
Galleria
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Shannon Holliday, M.Ed, LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Bria Harris, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Krista Weaver, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Fort Worth
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Ann Meripolski, MS, LPC, LCDC
Dallas
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Jessie Moore, MA, LPC
Dallas
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Claire Moody, MSW, LCSW
Dallas
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Christina Knight, M.S. LPC
Coppell
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Jamia Woods, LMFT
Houston Memorial Park
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Spandana Maitra, M.A., LPC
Coppell
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Emily Rogers, M.S., LPC
Fort Worth
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Megan Hawkins, M.A., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Leah Evans, M.S., LPC, RPT
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Antoine Votaw, MA, LPC, LCDC
Dallas
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Javeria Yousuf M.S., LPC
Galleria
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Michelle Rodgers, MS, LPC-S
Dallas
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Anita Cepeda, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Nicole Kremer, M.A., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Elizabeth Crowder M.A., LMFT
Waco
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Julie Furber, M.S. LPC, CRC
Galleria
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Hailey-Lou Lowry, LPC-Associate, LCDC
The Woodlands
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Ashley Jesse, MA, LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Hannah Frederick, MA, LPC
Dallas
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Kaila “Kai” Parker, Practicum Student
Dallas
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Ashley Davis, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Elaine La Bruyère, M.Ed., LPC
Galleria
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Holly Patterson, MA, LPC
Waco
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Abigail Locke, M.A., LPC
Waco
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Cortnee Schraer, M.S. LPC RPT
San Antonio
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Kotia Whitaker, M.S. LMFT
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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David R. Buck, MS, LPC
Waxahachie
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Becca Kern, MA, LPC
Fort Worth
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Vanessa Perkins, MA, LPC
Fort Worth
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Amy Hill, MS, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Coppell
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Colleen Farris, MS, LPC
Coppell
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Johanna Horstman, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Stephanie Jutras, MSW, LCSW
Galleria
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Joy Lawson, MA, LPC
Cedar Park
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Lori Shaw, MS, LPC-S
Galleria
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Christopher Hinds, MRC, LPC
Dallas
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Understanding the Difference Between Shame and Guilt
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a profound psychological distinction between shame and guilt. Understanding this difference is the first step toward healing.
Feelings of Guilt
Guilt is a focus on behavior: “I did something bad.” It is often tied to a specific action that contradicts our values. Because guilt is about what we did, it can often lead to positive change, such as making amends or learning from a mistake. It serves as a moral compass that helps us stay aligned with our integrity.
Feelings of Shame
Shame is a focus on the self: “I am bad.” It is an identity-based emotion. Shame does not just say you made a mistake; it says you are the mistake. It can become a global evaluation of the self that leaves little room for growth or change without support.
Why This Distinction Matters for Your Healing
This distinction is critical because shame and guilt require different therapeutic approaches. While guilt can be resolved through accountability and repair, shame often leads to secrecy, silence, and withdrawal.
When we feel ashamed, our instinct is to hide. This hiding prevents us from receiving the very empathy and connection we need to heal. In shame-informed therapy, we work to bring these feelings into the light, replacing self-criticism with self-compassion and building the resilience needed to move forward.
How Chronic Shame Impacts Your Life and Relationships
When shame becomes a chronic presence, it can create a “shame spiral” that impacts every facet of your life. It is often the silent engine behind other mental health challenges, including:
- Anxiety and Depression: The constant fear of being “found out” or judged can lead to persistent social anxiety, while the belief that one is fundamentally broken often fuels deep depressive symptoms.
- Low Self-Esteem: Shame erodes your confidence, making it difficult to pursue goals, advocate for yourself, or believe in your own capabilities.
- Relationship Struggles: Shame is the enemy of vulnerability. It can manifest as defensiveness, a fear of intimacy, or social withdrawal. You may find yourself pushing people away before they have the chance to reject the “real” you, leading to a cycle of loneliness.
- Perfectionism: Many clients use perfectionism as a shield against shame, believing that if they are perfect, they can avoid the pain of judgment. However, this only creates more pressure and reinforces the idea that your worth is conditional.
- Self-Sabotage: When you believe you do not deserve success or happiness, you may unconsciously undermine your own efforts in your career or personal life. This cycle reinforces the original belief of unworthiness.
Our Approach to Shame-Informed Therapy
At Taylor Counseling Group, we believe that empathy and connection are essential for healing shame. Our counselors and therapists are trained to recognize the subtle ways shame manifests and to provide a supportive environment where you feel seen and heard without judgment.
Evidence-Based Modalities for Healing
We utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Your therapist can help you identify and challenge distorted, shame‑based thought patterns and ‘all‑or‑nothing’ thinking. By reframing these thoughts, you can begin to see yourself in a more balanced and realistic way.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): For some clients, especially when shame is rooted in past trauma or adverse experiences, EMDR may be used by EMDR‑trained therapists to help process these memories and lessen the emotional intensity connected to them.
- Mindfulness Practices: Many therapists incorporate mindfulness and grounding skills to help you stay present when shame‑based thoughts arise. By noticing these thoughts without getting swept away by them, you gain space to choose a more compassionate response.
Schedule A Counseling Session For Shame
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What to Expect in Shame Counseling at Taylor Counseling Group
The journey through shame counseling is one of transformation. It begins with creating a foundation of safety. You and your therapist will work collaboratively to explore the origins of your shame, whether they stem from childhood experiences, societal pressures, or specific life events.
As therapy progresses, you will learn shame resilience skills. This involves:
- Learning to name your shame
- Recognizing your physical and emotional triggers
- Practicing vulnerability in a safe setting
The goal is not to never feel shame again, but to develop the tools to move through it without letting it define your identity or dictate your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes deep-seated shame?
How long does it take to heal from shame?
Can therapy really help if I feel fundamentally "broken"?
Take the First Step Toward Self-Compassion
You do not have to carry the weight of shame alone. At Taylor Counseling Group, we are committed to making high-quality mental health care accessible and affordable.
Locations Across Texas
We have multiple locations across Texas, including:
- Alamo Heights
- Cedar Park
- Coppell
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Galleria
- Houston Memorial Park
- San Antonio
- The Woodlands
- Waco
Schedule an Appointment Today and begin your journey toward a life defined by self-worth rather than shame.