Counselling for shame in Burnaby
Counselling for shame in BC
Starting counselling for shame is similar to driving. You take your car into the garage for a check-in to determine what work needs to be done. In counselling, we unpack experiences that result in shame. While at the garage, the mechanic will prepare a report outlining issues that need to be addressed. Similarly, we discuss your childhood, upbringing, view of self and self-talk. I sit next to you in the passenger seat and ensure you are safe, heard, validated, and supported as you drive. I offer strategies and tools to help you feel less shame. You can pull over, slow down, or change lanes anytime. You gain new insight and understanding, which creates new experiences and awareness. Driving home after your counselling session, you feel less shame and more resilient. You also reflect on your needs, self-care routine, and positive talk.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (#19428) dedicated to supporting individuals who experience feelings of shame.
We work together to explore how your feelings of shame impact your life. This happens in a safe, non-judgmental, and private space in Burnaby and online. For many people, their feelings of shame stem from childhood trauma, and this may be the case for you.
At Ease Counseling in Burnaby, I offer individual, in-person, and online counselling for shame for adults and youth. I work with you to help you achieve your goals and improve your mental health.
As your counsellor, I ensure you feel seen, heard, validated, and accepted. Starting your healing journey takes courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding shame
When your feelings of shame surface, you struggle to talk, and your thoughts may spiral. You may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to share your feelings with loved ones.
At Ease Counselling in Burnaby provides a safe space to share and explore your feelings of shame.
Shame can impact your life in several ways. For example:
- Shame impacts your relationships with family members as they do not support your life choices and criticise them.
- Shame impacts your relationship with your partner as you struggle to identify and meet your needs.
- Shame impacts your self-esteem; when triggered, you struggle with negative core beliefs.
- Shame impacts your self-talk; sometimes, this voice is harsh, negative, and critical of your choices.
Symptoms of shame
Shame can manifest on the surface for people in many forms. Some examples include:
- Growing up, your feelings were not validated; as an adult, you seek external validation.
- Your needs were unmet growing up, and as an adult, you struggle to identify and meet your needs.
- You experienced childhood abuse, and while you are not responsible, part of you blame yourself.
- You experienced childhood abuse and have not disclosed this to family members as you feel ashamed.
- You internalised negative beliefs about yourself and believe you are unworthy and unlovable.
Benefits of counselling for shame
- Connection
Counselling for shame in Burnaby focuses on the connection between childhood trauma and shame. For example, your parents may have been physically present but emotionally unavailable. They could not meet your emotional needs, so part of you internalised this, and you learnt that needs were not important. Social and cultural norms and expectations may also trigger feelings of shame.
- Explore
Counselling for shame in Burnaby explores how your shame impacts your life. We explore how you cope with your feelings of shame and identify triggers. We also unpack your shame response, thoughts, and negative core beliefs. Childhood abuse survivors often feel ashamed for the abuse they experienced, and some blame themselves. Together, we challenge these beliefs, and we strengthen positive beliefs.
- Heal
Counselling for shame in Burnaby helps you heal from experiences that result in shame. Past experiences and childhood trauma may shape your view of self and your relationship with yourself. We would work together on healing your inner child. We also focus on building self-kindness, self-compassion, mindfulness, and self-care to help you heal from your feelings of shame. Finally, we work together to shift your self-talk so it is positive and caring instead of negative and harsh.
Why choose At Ease Counselling?
- Client-driven approach
- At Ease Counselling sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace alongside you with compassion, kindness, and curiosity in Burnaby and online.
- Evidence-based modalities
At Ease Counselling services, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
- Anti-oppressive practice
- At Ease Counselling understands the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in Burnaby and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+, are welcome.
Ready to start your healing journey? Counselling for shame in Burnaby is here to support and help you cultivate self-compassion. You are in safe hands at At Ease Counselling.
Finding the right counsellor is essential. Book a free 15-minute consultation to determine if we are a good fit.
Please get in touch if you have questions.