What Is Shame and How Does It Show Up in Trauma?

Shame is an incredibly powerful and persistent emotion. It often feels like something deep inside us that we can’t shake off—like a heavy weight we carry around, even if no one else sees it. As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, every one of my clients experiences some degree of shame, and I’ve seen how it can distort how we see ourselves and our place in the world. What makes shame so insidious is that it doesn’t just show up as an isolated feeling—it often becomes a lens through which we interpret everything in our lives.

When trauma enters the picture, whether in the form of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or C-PTSD (Complex PTSD), shame can often take center stage. Trauma doesn’t just impact the body or mind; it can shape your self-worth and sense of identity in profound ways. And unfortunately, it often locks people into a cycle of negative self-talk and self-blame that keeps them stuck.

Understanding how shame shows up in trauma and how to heal from it is a crucial part of the recovery process. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying an invisible burden of shame, or if you’ve struggled with feeling "not enough" or unworthy, know that you’re not alone—and there is hope for healing.