You're bad. Unlovable. You want to hide. Over decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness expert, Christopher Germer has learned how truly devastating shame can be. But Dr. Germer has also developed a powerful approach to healing. This wise, encouraging book guides the reader to understand how shame constricts their life and take concrete steps to break free. Based on Dr. Germer's renowned Self-Compassion for Shame course, the book is chock-full of stories, reflections, aEURoeTry ThisaEUR exercises, and guided practices, including audio tracks at the companion website. Readers can work through the 21 concise chapters at their own pace and use the practices on the spot whenever they feel shame in daily life.
Christopher Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Lecturer on Psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. He is coauthor (with Kristin Neff) of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (for professionals). Dr. Germer is also author of Self-Compassion for Shame and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion and coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy. He lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. His website is https://chrisgermer.com.
AuthoraEUR (TM)s Note Preface Introduction 1. Welcome Home! 2. Shame, I See You! 3. Self-Compassion? Pour Moi? 4. An Antidote to Shame 5. Walk Slowly, Go Farther 6. The Twin Secrets 7. Shame Is Innocent 8. Your Compassionate Self 9. Not Your Fault! 10. Childhood Roots 11. Cultural Roots 12. Ready, Set, Go! 13. From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion 14. Self-Forgiveness 15. Compassion for Your Body 16. Words That Heal 17. No Part Left Behind 18. Our Values/Ourselves 19. Going beyond Ourselves 20. Practice Makes Imperfect 21. LifeaEUR (TM)s Coming Attractions Resources Notes Index List of Audio Tracks
aEURoeSelf-compassion is a radically different approach to inner relating that changes everything, and Dr. Germer has led the charge toward this change. I believe that shame is the most toxic burden your parts carry--it underlies so many symptoms and problems. Through experiential exercises, paired with Dr. Germer's wise and warm guidance, you can release this sense of worthlessness and realize who you really are. You can shine again and light up your life. This is detox for the soul!aEUR--Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, author of No Bad Parts aEURoeDr. Germer shines a light on one of the most painful and isolating of human emotions. The practices are skillfully designed, immediately usable, and powerfully effective. For anyone carrying the silent, often invisible burden of shame, this book has the potential to be truly life-changing.aEUR--Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion aEURoeFew forms of suffering are as pervasive--or as hidden--as shame, the core conviction that something is wrong with who we are. In this wise and deeply humane book, Dr. Germer shows us a pathway that can free us from the trance of deficiency. With insight, warmth, and grounded science, he illuminates how shame takes hold in the mind and body, and how mindful self-compassion allows us to meet our most vulnerable places with kindness rather than judgment. The result is profoundly liberating--a rediscovery of our intrinsic goodness and our belonging to life. This book is a powerful and trustworthy guide for anyone longing to heal shame and live with a more open, loving heart.aEUR--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance aEURoeDr. Germer is a legendary teacher for good reason, and his voice--friendly, funny, encouraging, self-disclosing, tender, wise, and so compassionate--is with you on every page of this book. Shame is the deepest root of most people's pain; Dr. Germer offers many examples, experiential practices, and concrete suggestions to bring you gently through its layers to an unshakeable sense of your own goodness and worth. This book is really a gem.aEUR--Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha's Brain aEURoeDr. Germer draws on many years of experience as a psychologist and mindful self-compassion pioneer. He provides a treasure trove of insights and ways of engaging with that sense of shame that can belittle and terrify. If shame has haunted you, this is the book to help you talk to the ghosts and set them free.aEUR--Paul Gilbert PhD, FBPsS, OBE, author of The Compassionate Mind aEURoeThis is the book I didn't know I needed! I appreciate Dr. Germer's kind and uplifting approach to working with shame. Self-Compassion for Shame is definitely good for the heart. It strengthened me.aEUR--Lara N., New Orleans -
