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1. Recognize that shame has a positive correlation with addictions, anger, depression, codependency, sexual acting out, bullying, suicide, eating disorders and rage.
2. Identify how treating these behaviors without treating the root of the problem is only a temporary fix.
3. Recognizing and accepting personal vulnerability.
4. Describe how to raise critical awareness regarding social/cultural expectations.
5. Identify how to form mutually empathic relationships that facilitate reaching out to others.
6. Explain the language of shame.
7. Describe the elements of a true living experience.

Understand Shame Resilience

• Self-compassion in shame resilience
• Let go of perfectionism
• How numbing and powerlessness prevent growth
• Build self-efficacy

Define the Language of Shame – Build Self-Compassion

• Vulnerability as a lifestyle
• Empathy vs. sympathy
• Authenticity as a practice
• Connection between depression and anxiety

Help Clients to Reach Out

• Build connections
• Shame as a universal experience
• What does helpful support look like?

Understand the Big Picture – Let Go of the Need for Certainty

• The myths of vulnerability
• Understand shame shields
• Identify shame triggers
• Recognize shame reactions in addictions, anger, depression, sexual acting out, bullying, suicidality, eating disorders and raging
• Enhance gratitude and joy
• Cultivate a resilient spirit
• Creativity, play and rest
• The importance of calm and stillness

CLINICAL APPLICATION TOOLS AND TIPS

Art Interventions

• The power of creativity and pictures
• Art journals
• Give ourselves permission to join in the business of actually living
• Develop personal mantras
• The energy of connection

Homework Interventions

• Practice makes perfect
• Values clarification
• Discover who’s in it with us
• Practice gratitude
• Face the fear of the unknown
• The power of affirmations

Group Application and Interventions

• Let your clients learn from each other
• Self-compassion scales
• Personal anthems
• Creative projects showcasing authenticity
• Look for similarities rather than differences

Community Building Techniques

• Create a paradigm shift
• Examine the culture of shame
• Shame as a management style
• Organizational culture and change
• Help your organization to understand the path to wholehearted living

Sara Poisson, MA, LCMHCM, LADC, CFC, has been practicing for 20 years in the fields of mental health, forensic mental health evaluation and addictions. She is dual licensed as a mental health and an addictions therapist and provides clinical supervision. Sara is a trained facilitator of The Daring Way curriculum written by Dr. Brené Brown (whose life work has been research, teaching and writing extensively about the topics of shame and vulnerability).

She has presented at the National Conference for Forensic Counselors twice addressing issues of connection, empathy and vulnerability as forces of change. Her book, Silent Voices from the Past was researched with help from inmates at the Sullivan County House of Correction as a metaphor for empathy, connection and positive change. Sara has experience with criminal justice involved clients as well as those who suffer from addiction, depression, anxiety and are survivors of domestic violence and/or trauma.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Sara Poisson has an employment relationship with Central Vermont Substance Abuse Services. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-Financial: Sara Poisson is a member of the American Counseling Association; and the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.

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CE Information Coming Soon
Continuing education credit information is coming soon for this non-interactive self-study package.

CEs may be available for select professions, as listed in the target audience. Hours will be dependent on the actual recording time. Please check with your state licensing board or organization for specific requirements.

There may be an additional fee for CE certificates. Please contact our Customer Service at 1-800-844-8260 for more details.

**Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of mental health professionals. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professions standards.

All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.

Addiction Counselors, Case Managers, Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other Mental Health Professionals