When I feel ashamed — May Tree Support Library

Step 1 of 5 · Orientation

Orientation

Shame often arrives with the message that something is wrong with you. It is worth meeting that message carefully, with company if you can — not arguing with it, not believing it.

A reminder. You can pause here. You can return later. If anything feels like too much, close the page.

Orientation

Shame often arrives with the message that something is wrong with you. It is worth meeting that message carefully, with company if you can — not arguing with it, not believing it.

A first step

Place a hand somewhere on your body that feels neutral or steady. Stay there for one breath.

A little context

Shame is different from guilt. Guilt tends to be about something you did; shame tends to be about who you are. The two ask for very different kinds of care.

Gentle reflection prompts

If a trusted person knew the whole context, what might they say to you?
What part of this might be guilt, and what part might be shame?

Related resources

Reflect

After a Hard Conversation

A brief reflection for the hour after a therapy session or a difficult relational interaction.

Read

Shame vs. Guilt

A short piece on telling these two apart, and why the distinction matters for moral injury and relational repair.

A reminder. You can pause here. You can return later. If anything in this pathway feels like too much, come back to the first step or close the page entirely.