Shame is a strong, frequently concealed emotion that can reshape a person’s self-image, relationships and willingness to take part in therapy. This training covers how shame appears in clinical work, subtly and plainly, and how it affects the therapy relationship. Participants learn to spot shame-based stories, respond with attunement and without judgment and help clients feel safe and self-compassionate. Theory, clinical strategies and self-reflection help therapists grow more confident at naming, holding and working through shame without reinforcing it. It suits clinicians who want to go deeper with clients facing trauma, identity, perfectionism or vulnerability.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define shame and differentiate it from related emotions such as guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation.
- Recognize common signs and behaviors that indicate the presence of shame in clients, including language, body cues, and avoidance patterns.
- Apply clinical strategies to create safety, reduce shame responses, and promote self-compassion.
- Integrate shame-sensitive language and interventions into a variety of therapeutic modalities and client presentations.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Shame Definitions and Effects
- Differentiate Shame from Other Emotions
- Define Ways Shame Shows up in Therapy
Objective #2: Investigate Common Signs of Shame
- Shame Language
- Body Cues
- Avoidance Patterns
Objective #3: Clinical Strategies and Interventions
- Creating Safety
- Reducing Shame Responses
- Promote Self-Compassion
Objective #4: Client Presentations
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Clara Anderson Sainte, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: February 7, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com