Carolyn B. Allard

This book provides scientifically proven strategies for reducing guilt and shame associated with trauma and adversity.

Automatic reactions help us survive dangerous situations. Whether we are fighting to fend off an attacker, fleeing an explosion, or freezing to maintain attachment with an abusive parent upon whom we are dependent, our hard‑wired reactions keep us safe during intensely stressful times. But these automatic responses can be followed by guilt and shame, which can linger long after the traumatic events, making us anxious, avoidant, overreactive, irritable, depressed, angry, or passive. And these symptoms, in turn, can lead to more guilt and shame, which lead to more problematic coping behaviors, in a continuing cycle.