What Is Shame? A Psychologist Explains Its Hidden Power

Have you ever had a moment where you felt fundamentally flawed? Like something was wrong with you, not just what you did? That’s the voice of shame. In this solo episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent unpacks what shame really is, how it can quietly shape your mental health, and why naming it is a radical first step toward emotional healing.

We explore the psychology of shame, including how it develops in childhood, relationships, culture, trauma, and identity and how it can manifest through perfectionism, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, and burnout. With relatable examples and two fictional case studies (James and Amina), this episode shines a compassionate light on the invisible wounds shame can cause. Whether you're supporting therapy clients or dealing with shame yourself, this episode helps you understand its grip and how to loosen it.

📌 Look out for part two coming soon: What to Do About Shame.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Is there something wrong with me?
• 00:50 – What shame is and how it differs from guilt
• 01:48 – Brene Brown’s definition and why shame is often invisible
• 02:20 – Childhood roots: parenting, rejection, trauma, and marginalisation
• 03:46 – A powerful example of body shame and religious upbringing
• 04:51 – How shame hides: people-pleasing, self-criticism, addiction, avoidance
• 05:46 – Case Study: James – heartbreak, masculinity, and silent shame
• 06:38 – Case Study: Amina – failed application and feeling unworthy
• 06:58 – Why shame can fuel anxiety, depression, burnout, and paralysis
• 07:55 – The power of naming shame and exploring whose voice it echoes
• 08:45 – Dr Marianne’s own experiences of shame and overcoming self-doubt
• 09:17 – Next steps: part two on treating shame, membership, and support

Links:

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📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity

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