Working with shame
Working with shame
The workshop will explore shame from a biopsychosocial perspective with reference to various shame models including Shame Containment Theory. It will look at the origins of shame in people’s lives and the growing impact it can have over time. It is well known that Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a detrimental impact on adult life, patterns of behaviour and relationships, and shame can play a part in that.
This experiential and interactive day will help participants explore various aspects of shame, including their own shame responses, and provide resources for supporting others along with guidelines for appropriate referral.
Learning Outcomes
- To provide working definitions of shame vs guilt
- To give an overview of the various theories on shame
- To help carers understand shame from a psycho-socio-cultural perspective
- To understand some of the underlying causes and contributing factors
- To understand the impact shame has on self concepts, behaviours, concepts of others, worldview and relationships
- To explore the common reactions to shame
- To explore aspects of the (neuro)biology of the shame response with reference to the Polyvagal Theory
- To understand how to begin creating safe places to explore shame
- Explore the role of group work in shame reduction
- Explore how to build shame resilience
Trainer
Peter Watts is a counsellor working in private practice who has specialised in working with sexual addictions and supporting both those who struggle with them and those around them. Working with shame plays a key role in supporting these groups and Peter has experience in running workshops on shame for both counsellor CPD and faith-based groups.
Peter is an Accredited Counsellor of the BACP and Registered Counsellor of the ACC. He is a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sex Addiction and Compulsivity (ATSAC). He is an approved trainer for the CPCAB accredited Level 5 Diploma in Working with Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder, delivered by the Institute for Sex Addiction Training (ISAT).
Places are limited; please book early to avoid disappointment.
Ticket options
Standard
Non Members cost £65
Members cost £50 (please login to access your discount)
Saturday 22nd Nov, 2025, 09:45 - 16:00
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Please note that the price specified is for one person. If you are intending to share a screen, you will still need to book individually.
Please also note we do not offer refunds; in exceptional circumstances please email office@acc-uk.org (this does not affect your statutory rights).