105: How to Work Through Shame and Step Into Self-Compassion with Brooke Bralove

Jul 23, 2025

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Here's an emotion we all feel at times—but rarely talk about out loud: shame.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Brooke Bralove, a psychotherapist and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, trained in the work of Brené Brown. And wow… this conversation is one I know so many women in midlife need to hear.

👉 Because shame is sneaky

👉 It keeps us small

👉 It disconnects us from who we really are

👉 And it thrives in silence

But there is a way out—and it starts with understanding what shame actually is.

In this episode, we explore:

What shame really is (and what it’s not)
The difference between guilt and shame (this is key!)
How shame shows up in midlife —from our bodies to our roles to our relationships
Why shame keeps us stuck—and how to recognize it before it spirals
What it takes to move through shame to self-compassion, connection, and courage

💬 Brooke brings years of therapeutic wisdom—and practical tools—that can help you start to untangle the shame stories and step more fully into your worth.

Midlife is not a time to shrink—it’s the time to rise.

And I believe this episode will help you do just that.

Keep moving forward through and beyond,

Debbie

P.S. Check out the video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d68jtRn_XqM

Here's Brook's bio:

Brooke Bralove is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Practitioner, and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Brooke specializes in treating adults, couples, and groups with anxiety, trauma, and sexual and relationship challenges. Brooke helps women of all ages let go of perfectionism and move toward greater authenticity, joy, pleasure, and connection. She has maintained a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland for over 20 years.

To connect with Brooke:

Website: http://www.brookebralove.com/

Instagram: @brookebralovepsychotherapy

Thanks for listening!

If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram.

Or book a time to talk with me:

https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation