Treating Shame with Self-Compassion with Dr. Chris Germer

Shame is one of the hardest emotions to work with, in part because it blocks what we need most when we’re feeling shame: self-compassion. Dr. Chris Germer, co-developer of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, joins Forrest to discuss how we can get around that trap. They talk about where shame comes from, how to recognize it when it’s hiding behind other emotions, and practical tools that help us experience less shame.

About our Guest: Chris Germer is a clinical psychologist, lecturer at Harvard Medical School, co-developer of theMindful Self-Compassion (centerformsc.org) program with Dr. Kristin Neff, and author of the new book Self-Compassion for Shame. (guilford.com/books/Self-Compassion-for-Shame/C…)

Key Topics:
0:00: Intro: shame, hiding, and why it blocks self-compassion
2:52: What shame is and why it hides
9:45: How self-compassion changes the inner voice
13:44: The arc of working with shame
18:05: Shame as an innocent emotion
22:57: Backdraft and the wish to be loved
29:50: Self-compassion as exposure
39:43: When people really do judge you
45:33: The "shrug"
47:56: Healthy shame, toxic shame, and the parts of you
58:48: Recap

Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. (patreon.com/beingwellpodcast)

Sponsors

If you’re ready to simplify the business side of your practice, now is a great time to try SimplePractice. Start with a 7-day free trial, then get 50% off your first three months. Just go to SimplePractice.com (simplepractice.com) to claim the offer.

Try Gusto today at gusto.com/BEINGWELL, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.

Get better sleep, backed by your own data. Go to OrionSleep.com/BEINGWELL (orionsleep.com/BEINGWELL) for 15% off.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices