Melting the Shame Freeze –
Using Somatic Techniques to Create Safety and Build Attunement

Shame is an extraordinary combination of a primary emotion and a state of freeze. It is an embodied belief that "something is wrong with me." Shame, like trauma, puts the body in a freeze state and lowers the ability to think and act clearly. Because shame exists in the body as well as in the mind, it is important that therapists work with shame somatically.

Clients stuck in shame have trouble seeing anyone but themselves. It can be hard for them to receive support from another person as they are caught in the grip of shame. In this workshop, you will explore how to utilize somatic techniques to connect more quickly with the client and forge a strong therapeutic alliance. You will learn how to prevent somatic counter-transference and avoid taking on the client's physical shame patterns.

In this workshop you will:

  • Focus on using breathing and grounding to resource the client, becoming more aware of your own breathing and expanding it in the process.

  • Learn how you can resource yourself so that you don't fall into somatic counter-transference and take on the client's physical shame patterns.

  • Explore how to keep your clients more present in the room with you and counter over-verbalization, dissociation, and freezing.

  • Learn techniques and theory from Wilhelm Reich (the father of Somatics), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing), Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), Ron Kurtz (Hakomi), and Eugene Gendlin (Focusing).

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify three somatic techniques that a therapist can use to (a) connect more quickly with the client and (b) forge a strong therapeutic alliance.

  • Demonstrate breathing and grounding techniques for resourcing the client and be able to teach those techniques to the client.

  • Compare different somatic methods, noting differences and similarities.

  • Design strategies to work with somatic and emotional counter-transference and avoid following the client down the shame rabbit hole.

  • Utilize two somatic interventions to counter a client’s over-verbalization, dissociation and freezing.

  • Describe four physiological signs of shame that clients may exhibit.

  • Explain Polyvagal Theory to a client.

  • Assess how a client is holding shame in their body and help client become aware of it and describe it.

  • Describe and employ strategies to restore client pendulation and life force.

Course Level: Beginning

There is no prerequisite for this course. It can be taken by itself or as part of a sequence.

CE credits are available only for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs in California – CAMFT Approved CE Provider #134393

This workshop is offered in the following formats:

  • Live, interactive workshop on Zoom

  • Recorded workshop available for purchase – click here for information.

The Center for Healing Shame is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs in California – CAMFT-approved CE provider #134393. Courses meet the qualifications for 13 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

The Center for Healing Shame maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

WORKSHOP CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not offer refunds. The amount paid can be applied toward a future workshop within 12 months. Registrations are not transferable.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED

The Center for Healing Shame welcomes people who have disabilities. Our training location is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

The Center for Healing Shame seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner.

If you have a grievance, please include your name and contact information and submit it in writing to Sheila Rubin (sheila@healingshame.com).

Grievances will receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.

Top photo by Bret Lyon