What you've been shouldering is immense.
Shame is that voice deep down inside that says "I'm not good enough", "I'm a failure", or "I suck". It's that pit in your stomach, whirlwind of all-consuming emotions that, at times, feels like a high-stakes crisis. It tells you that you're incapable of reaching for what you really want, convinces you there's something wrong with you, and pressures you to stay small.
All of these factors combine to make you feel exhausted, isolated, and broken. Every corner of your life feels touched by shame: your work, your body image, your relationships, and maybe even your parenting. Not to mention the default suppression of who you are (if you even know anymore) by trying to fit within some "societally acceptable" version of yourself.
You want so desperately to be liberated from this internal prison of self-doubt, second-guessing, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and worth-chasing, but the way forward feels super uncertain and profoundly ambiguous. And especially as a woman.
What is clear as day to you is that do not want to be run by shame anymore.
Instead, you want to be:
Here's what to know: getting there is entirely possible.
What you're facing is what many women bound by shame deal with (aka: you're not alone).
Nevertheless, you might be feeling like traditional approaches just fall short. The advice you've been given, the pep talks, maybe even the therapy approaches that try to sidestep shame have all just felt more invalidating and, ironically, the opposite of help.
What you desire is to really be understood. You want the unique nuances of your experiences to be recognized for exactly what they are so they can be woven into a complex and accurate depiction of the rigid ties holding you down.
This is where I team up with you.
Hi, there! I’m Kaileen, Licensed Professional Counselor and shame specialist.
In sessions, I work hard to create a let-it-all-out zone where you can share
your thoughts, experiences, feelings, judgments, and struggles without worry
of being "shoulded" or told what you're doing wrong. I firmly believe that a
truly warm, welcoming, human-centered atmosphere is the best way to dial down
the inner critic so you can slowly start to feel empowered by reconnecting with the
wonderful parts of you that haven't felt safe enough to come forward.
I also carefully select the components of my approach that best fit your
individual circumstances because needs shift, and I make sure my approach
shifts with them.
Want to know more about how I work? Check out my bio and philosophy!
Is this hitting home for you?
If the answer is yes, I'd love to chat with you!
Research shows the most important aspect of effective therapy
is the relationship between client & therapist, which is why I value the
opportunity to test that fit.
If you're interested in a free video/phone consultation where you can meet me, ask questions about my approach & the process, and see if the fit feels right for you, reach
out by clicking below.
