CANCELLED - Alleviating Guilt and Shame through Self-Compassion

Session Description: Shame and Guilt are emotional experiences that many individuals with substance use and mental health disorders will experience. There are numerous factors that contribute to the emotional experience of shame and guilt including genetics, family relationships, and social influences. The emotional experience of guilt and shame can impact the trajectory of an individuals life. This feeling of shame resonates at the very core of the individual and can influence in engaging in behaviors that reinforce the negative belief about themselves. It is very challenging for the individual to hold space for self-compassion when shame is present. The presentation will review the difference between guilt and shame and focus on ways to engage individuals in a group and individual setting to ignite a belief that change is possible. The role of attachment styles and self-compassion will help provide insight into the behaviors as well as present opportunity for clinical intervention. This presentation will provide insight into utilizing self-compassion as way to provide compassion and understanding to themselves in challenging times.