One Pathway From Shame To Self-Acceptance

This article, "Other with Self, Self with Self: One Pathway From Shame To Self-Acceptance" by Ken Benau, explores a therapeutic process that helps individuals transform chronic shame into self-acceptance. The author presents a case study of a woman named Tara, who, through therapy, learns to internalize the acceptance of others, such as her romantic partner Fred, and eventually transitions to accepting herself. The therapeutic method combines deep brain reorienting techniques with a focus on somatic experiences, allowing Tara to reconcile her present-day self with her younger, traumatized self. This process leads to a greater sense of integration and peace, reducing her shame and enabling her to embrace her entire self, "quirks and all."

  • Understand the role of deep brain reorienting (DBR) in processing early relational trauma.

  • Explore the concept of pro-being pride and its significance in overcoming chronic, traumatic shame.

  • Analyze the therapeutic transition from external acceptance (other with self) to internal self-acceptance (self with self).

  • Examine the use of somatic experiences in fostering self-acceptance and integration of past and present selves.

  • Identify the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping clients internalize acceptance and diminish shame.

  • Learn techniques for helping clients anchor and sustain positive embodied experiences of self-acceptance in their daily lives.

Become a Member