The Developmental Impact and Long-Term Effects of Shame

The consequences of shame can be devastating and may lead to long-term risk-taking behaviors and suicidality. Chronic self-worth issues and relationship problems all reflect attachment challenges experienced by individuals responding to shame. In addition, the compounding effects of shame have the potential to lead to co-morbid disorders and maladaptive coping skills resulting in chronic physical and mental health problems. Clinicians have the unique privilege of helping individuals in therapy mitigate these harmful effects and reduce the negative impact of shame.

In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Jeff Peterson, PhD, LCPC, LPC, NCC returns to GoodTherapy.org to describe how shame is a set of unattainable expectations that develop from notions of “normalcy" and can prevent individuals from understanding there are many ways of being. He will demonstrate how assessment instruments--including the “Trauma Related Shame Inventory,” “The Trauma Appraisal Questionnaire,” and “Test of Self-Conscious Affect”--reveal the connection between external events and internal shame.

Dr. Peterson will explain the dynamics of shame within a variety of client populations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ). Attendees will learn to identify those at greater risk and the importance of understanding how individuals attempt to reduce shame through both adaptive and maladaptive responses. Dr. Peterson will explore the Compass of Shame and multiple shame cycles that illustrate shame’s connection to trauma, judgment, guilt, and self-worth. By utilizing best practices such as the use of trauma-informed care and strength-based skill building, clinicians teach skills that can develop the intrapersonal acceptance needed to lessen the impact of shame.

This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Summarize the types of losses associated with shame.
2. Discuss assessment tools and evaluation techniques.
3. Explain the Compass of Shame and cycles of shame.
4. Apply an understanding of the connection between trauma and shame.
5. Describe the connection between judgment, self-worth, and shame.
6. List at least three best practices for addressing shame in therapy.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

This was a fantastic presentation from a very knowledgeable presenter. - Kathryn Buchanan-Howland, LMHC

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within clinical intake and screening, clinical assessment, and counseling services. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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