This awful feeling inside: Is it shame or is it guilt? Many of us frequently struggle with this question.

If we don’t have a clear understanding of the difference between shame and guilt, we can become extremely self critical and undermine our own self worth. There seems to be a very intense distinction between shame and guilt. Shame is a feeling of self hatred about who we are as people. Guilt is a feeling of regret about something we have done or something we have not done.

There are very effective methods of moving past any feelings of shame you carry from your most formative years. There are even more effective methods to release past guilt and to prevent future guilt. One of the most intense ways of preventing future guilt feelings is to do what you believe is the right thing, right now.

If you are struggling with guilt or shame, and would like some help putting this feeling behind you, call me at 512-878-3452.

[Lynne Head is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in marriages, relationships, and individual counseling on many issues, including guilt, shame, and related issues. Located in Austin, TX, Lynne can be reached by phone or email. For more information, see her website at: www.AustinMarriageFamilyCounseling.com]