

2159 | John Bradshaw: “Shame is About Being, Guilt is About Doing.”
7 snips Apr 16, 2025
John Bradshaw, an insightful author known for "Healing the Shame That Binds You," explores the profound distinctions between guilt and shame. He emphasizes that embracing the pain of shame is crucial for healing, diving into how perfectionism can undermine self-worth. The conversation highlights the origins of shame in dysfunctional family dynamics and the importance of vulnerability in personal growth. Bradshaw advocates for environments that promote emotional expression, suggesting that confronting these feelings aids recovery and fosters authentic connections.
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Shame Causes Self-Dissociation
- Shame causes dissociation where a person becomes an object to themselves and critical inner voices emerge.
- Feeling any emotion like anger, sadness, or joy can trigger shame in a shame-based person.
Healing Through Male Vulnerability Support
- John Bradshaw found healing in a male support group where men openly shared fears and cried together.
- This experience helped him heal wounds from his absent and unloving father.
Come Out of Hiding to Heal
- Recovery from toxic shame requires coming out of hiding and being vulnerable.
- Sharing your pain openly, like in 12-step programs, is essential for healing shame.