70. Understanding the Guilt-Shame Complex and How to Overcome It

In this episode, I dive into the feelings of guilt and shame that many women experience.

This common sentiment, 'I feel so guilty,' often surfaces when trying to balance competing priorities between work, family, and friends.

Maybe you’re trying to choose between social events, work commitments, and family obligations, which leads to a cycle of guilt and overextension.

You’ll hear me explain the difference between guilt ('I did something bad') and shame ('I am bad'), and how shame is detrimental to self-worth and motivation.

We explore societal expectations that contribute to these feelings and the importance of self-compassion as an antidote.

You’ll also hear some key strategies for combating guilt and shame, such as recognizing and talking about our feelings, setting realistic priorities, and making values-based decisions.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Guilt

00:44 Common Scenarios of Guilt

03:21 Understanding Guilt vs. Shame

04:30 The Guilt Complex and Its Real Identity

05:14 Personal Anecdotes on Guilt and Shame

07:54 Societal Expectations and Shame

10:13 Combating Shame with Self-Compassion

13:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Do you need support with guilt or shame? Explore the benefits of therapy.