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Are you struggling with the effects of shame and guilt?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- Persistent feelings of shame about who you are or guilt about past actions
- Harsh self-judgment that feels more severe than the situation warrants
- Difficulty forgiving yourself even when others have forgiven you
- Physical manifestations like wanting to hide, disappear, or feeling physically small
- Avoiding people or situations that trigger shame or guilt feelings
- Compensating behaviors like perfectionism or people-pleasing
- Intrusive thoughts or memories related to shameful or guilt-inducing experiences
You've started to recognize how shame and guilt are impacting your life:
- Relationships are affected by your difficulty being vulnerable or authentic
- Self-confidence and assertiveness are undermined by shame
- You struggle to set boundaries or advocate for your needs
- Opportunities for growth or connection are missed due to shame-based avoidance
- Your self-image is disproportionately defined by mistakes or perceived flaws
- Joy and pleasure are diminished by underlying feelings of unworthiness
- Traditional approaches to addressing shame have provided limited relief
You’re wondering…
- Why do I continue to feel shame or guilt even when logically I know it’s excessive?
- Is there a difference between healthy remorse and unhealthy shame or guilt?
- How does EMDR address shame differently than cognitive or talk therapy approaches?
- Can EMDR help with shame that feels so core to my identity?
- Will processing specific shameful experiences actually change how I feel about myself?
- How long will it take to develop a healthier relationship with myself?
- Is it possible to maintain appropriate accountability without destructive shame?
You’re longing for…
- Freedom from the constant weight of shame or excessive guilt.
- Self-compassion that matches the compassion you extend to others.
- The ability to learn from mistakes without defining yourself by them.
- Comfort with being seen and known authentically by others.
- Appropriate accountability that doesn’t spiral into self-condemnation.
- Understanding of the origins of your shame responses.
- A sense of inherent worthiness not contingent on perfection.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that shame and guilt, while normal human emotions, can become destructive when they're excessive, misplaced, or tied to your core identity rather than specific behaviors. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that toxic shame often has roots in earlier experiences where you were criticized for who you are rather than what you did, or where you internalized responsibility for events beyond your control.
What you’re longing for is possible.
Our experienced EMDR therapists utilize this powerful approach to address both the symptoms of shame and guilt and their underlying causes. Through targeted therapeutic interventions, clients typically experience:
Before Therapy
After Therapy
Shame feels like a core truth about who you are rather than a feeling.
You recognize shame as an emotion that comes and goes, not a definition of your worth.
Mistakes or flaws trigger global self-condemnation rather than specific regret.
You respond to mistakes with balanced accountability and self-compassion.
You hide aspects of yourself due to fear of judgment or rejection.
You develop comfort with authentic self-expression and vulnerability.
Past actions or experiences continue to generate intense shame or guilt.
You process specific experiences and develop perspective that allows for self-forgiveness.
Shame responses seem automatic and beyond your control.
You recognize shame triggers and have tools to respond differently.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
