Shame is a powerful and often hidden emotion that can deeply impact a person’s sense of self, relationships, and willingness to engage in therapy. This training explores how shame presents in clinical settings—both subtly and overtly—and how it affects the therapeutic relationship. Participants will learn how to recognize shame-based narratives, respond with attunement and nonjudgment, and foster a sense of safety and self-compassion in clients. The session integrates theory, clinical strategies, and self-reflection to help therapists become more confident in naming, holding, and working through shame without reinforcing it. Ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their work with clients navigating 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: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. 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