Exploring Shame Cards

Shame is a common emotion experienced by almost everyone at some point, it can feel painful and uncomfortable. Shame can erode our sense of self, creating feelings of humiliation, embarrassment or unworthiness. It can also lead to harmful or destructive behaviours and yet we don’t usually talk about it directly.

When people are seeking support, they will rarely tell you they are wanting to treat feelings of shame. In all likelihood, they will talk about feeling worthless, unlovable, judged, excluded or angry at the world. Underneath all of these feelings, there are likely to be deep feelings of shame.

Exploring Shame has been designed to enable conversations about the anatomy and purpose of shame and how shame can distort our thinking. The cards can help support people to build a toolkit that enables them to recognise, engage and transform feelings of shame into more constructive and hopeful emotions and actions.

Topics include addiction, honesty, body, culture, fairness, forgiveness, relationships and hope – providing a range of prompts that address multiple experiences.

How can the Exploring Shame cards help?

The 30 evocative, photo-based cards in Exploring Shame can be used to gently name, unpack and work with feelings of shame. They are designed to open up constructive and respectful conversations about things people may prefer to keep hidden or things they don’t like about themselves.

Use the Exploring Shame cards to talk about:

• how we can learn to recognise shame
• what shame feels like in the body
• how shame can be contagious or can be passed down through families
• the difference between shame and guilt
• our inner-critic or ‘voice’ of shame
• whether the shame is ours or someone else’s
• how causing harm to others can generate feelings of shame.

Who are the Exploring Shame cards for?

Exploring Shame cards are ideal for counsellors, social workers, psychologists, counsellors, teachers and parents who want to create respectful and safe spaces for conversations about things that may be uncomfortable or difficult to talk about. They are designed to be used with adults and young people in one-on-one therapeutic conversations, groups or classrooms.

What is included?

• 30 laminated, full-colour cards, 150mm x 120mm
• in-depth 54 page booklet with lots of ideas for activities in a range of settings