For others, it keeps them trapped in negative feelings. The stronger the shame, the more we try to hide it from others. This is precisely what gives shame so much destructive power over us.

When we feel shame, we want to hide from everyone. And it can lead to isolation and suffering. It’s a frequent topic of conversation in therapy. Sometimes shame stems from past trauma.

Shame results from a painful perception of the self as failing, inadequate, or defective. The root of the word means to cover or hide. We try so hard to hide failure, inadequacy, and personal ...