Shame is like the equivalent of emotional cancer. Shame is different than guilt:
Guilt tells us that we made a mistake, we did something wrong.
Shame tells us that we ARE a mistake and something is wrong with us.
Shame is that uneasy feeling we feel at our core and often comes from judgment. It could be from over critical self-judgment. Maybe we feel judged by others. In fact, shame doesn't require a judgmental person to be present. We only need to imagine the other's judgment for shame to develop.
Shame often underlies emotional challenges for teens and young adults like anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, and depression. And shame tends to discriminate too. It is much easier to apologize for a mistake made than to accept oneself.
Shame, Gender, & Age
In a 2010 study, a team of psychologists from the University of Bern studied shame in more than 2,600 volunteers from ages 13 to 89. From this study, they found that men and women manifest shame differently and age seems to affect how people experience shame.
Teenagers and young adults tend to be the most prone to experiencing shame. This may be due to personality and identity development. Teenagers and young adults are still in the formative years of developing their personality and identity.
When we are still in those formative years of trying to figure out who we are and where we fit in life, uncertainty of how to deal with life situations can quickly bring about feelings of shame.
Shame is one of those prevalent underpinnings of many emotional struggles. So how can we overcome the effects of shame in our lives?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of psychotherapy with its foundation in therapy approaches supported by research. In comparison with other therapy approaches that could take 3-4 months to be effective, a person using ART can find benefits usually within 1-5 sessions.
From the ART website:
"ART incorporates a combination of techniques used in many other traditional psychotherapies. ART works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain. This helps so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions.
ART accomplishes this through the use of rapid eye movements similar to eye movements that occur during dreaming. Although techniques similar to these are used in other types of therapies (like EMDR) ART’s very specific and directive approach can achieve rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that may have been present for many years.
ART combines long respected, sound treatment practices with safe and effective methods validated by current scientific research studies conducted by the University of South Florida."
ART has been shown to be effective with the following emotional challenges:
Shame,
Phobias,
Performance Anxiety, and more
Shame is very often a factor in each of these emotional challenges. ART can be a very effective way in helping people overcome the toxic effects of shame. And when shame is alleviated, often other things like depression, anxiety, and other challenges improve.
For more information on ART, check out this video from the founder of ART, Laney Rosenzweig:
Jami Edwards, LMSW: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Therapist
Jami Edwards, LMSW was looking for a therapy approach that was supported by research and shown to work in the least amount of time possible. As we also provide Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) at Katy Teen & Family Counseling, she started looking into EMDR training.
In her exploration of various therapy approaches, she came across ART. The two key variables that attracted Jami to ART were that it was supported by research AND people were experiencing benefits in as few as 1-5 sessions.
EMDR is a very effective approach to the same emotional or behavioral challenges however, people usually experience the benefit after 8-12 sessions. Jami's goal as a therapist is to help people overcome the obstacles that lie in the path of their happiness. Once these obstacles are overcome, there is no greater joy for Jami than to see her clients wildly successful and happy in life!
If you would like to read more about Jami, check out her bio here.
Katy Teen & Family Counseling: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Teens & Y0ung Adults
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we use those therapy approaches that are supported by research. We also use those that have been shown to be effective in the least amount of time. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is one of those approaches.
At our Katy, Tx location of Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we have 70+ years of combined experience in providing teen therapy and young adult counseling. If you are concerned about your teen or young adult and the struggles they experience, our therapists are here to help.
To start teen counseling or young adult therapy, all you need to do is follow these three simple steps:
Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling
Talk with one of our caring therapists
Start the healing today
Other Therapy and Counseling Services Offered at Katy Teen & Family Counseling
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we provide a variety of therapy approaches that are supported by research and shown to be effective. Some of the teen therapy and young adult counseling we offer are:
Board Certified Neurofeedback Therapy
Peak performance (optimal academic brain performance)
Peak performance (optimal athletic brain performance)
PTSD counseling ​
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Group Therapy for Teens
Body Image
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
To succeed in any relationship takes work. This is a common understanding that many of us have.
However, sometimes life will throw challenges at us that create situations that put strain on our marriage or relationship. It may be due to:
Choices and actions that have been made by one partner.
Financial downturn in the economy creating financial strain.
Feeling like you're growing apart.
Feeling like you don't have as much in common as you used to.
Whatever the reason may be, marriage counseling and couples therapy can help. Couples therapy and marriage counseling has also been found to work in less time than individual therapy can.
If you've worked hard for this relationship and find that there are now barriers in the way of maintaining a healthy relationship, contact us at Katy Teen & Family Counseling.
About the Author
Jason Drake is a Licensed Clinical Worker - Supervisor (LCSW-S), Board Certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR trained, and a Certified Brain Health Professional through the Amen Clinics. He has provided therapy to teens, young adults, and families since 2003 and is the Owner & Lead Clinician at Katy Teen & Family Counseling.
He specializes in leading teams of high performing therapists who also specialize in teen therapy, counseling young adults, and family counseling.
Jason is also a leader in the field of teen, young adult, and family counseling providing coaching and technical assistance to teen Residential Treatment Centers across the country.
Jason is also a regular contributor to various magazines and publications lending his expertise to various mental health related topics. You can check these articles out on our "Featured Articles" service page on our website.
He has also been a guest on Fox 26 Houston and on a podcast, "Grow a Group Practice" with Alison Pidgeon.
If you are ready to start teen counseling, young adult therapy, family therapy, couples therapy or marriage counseling: call, text, or email us today!
Phone Number: 346-202-4662
Comments