Shame Counselling Vancouver
Therapy for Shame & Related Issues
Shame is one of the most painful and isolating emotions we experience. It tells us we’re not enough, that we’re broken, or that something about us is unlovable or wrong. Maybe you’ve carried these messages for years—or maybe a recent experience has triggered a deep sense of inadequacy or self-blame.
Shame can keep you stuck in silence, second-guessing, and self-criticism. But you don’t have to stay there. At ARC, we offer therapy to help you gently untangle shame and begin to reclaim your worth.
Is shame making it hard to be yourself?
Shame often hides beneath anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or people-pleasing. It can shape how you relate to yourself and others, making it hard to feel safe, seen, or accepted—even when you’re surrounded by people who care.
Here are some ways shame may be showing up:
- Harsh self-criticism or difficulty feeling “good enough”
- Feeling exposed, defective, or unworthy of love or respect
- Constant comparison to others or fear of being judged
- Avoiding vulnerability out of fear of rejection or failure
- Difficulty receiving support or expressing needs
- Over-apologizing or taking responsibility for things that aren’t yours
- Persistent feelings of guilt, regret, or embarrassment
- Believing that past experiences define your value or identity
How shame therapy can help
Shame thrives in secrecy and silence—but it begins to loosen when we bring it into safe, compassionate connection. Therapy offers space to explore your story without judgment, and begin replacing shame-based beliefs with self-understanding, compassion, and resilience.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Understand where shame took root and how it’s shaped your life
- Separate who you are from what you’ve experienced or been told
- Challenge beliefs that fuel unworthiness or self-blame
- Build self-compassion and inner safety
- Learn to express your emotions and needs more freely
- Develop a more grounded, empowered sense of self
Let’s work through shame together
You don’t have to carry shame alone. Therapy can give you a safe place to talk openly, feel understood, and begin shifting the way you see yourself. With the right support, it’s possible to feel less burdened by shame and more connected to your own worth.
At ARC, our therapists offer caring and effective therapy to help you heal from shame and reconnect with your most empowered and authentic self. Reach out today for a free consultation to learn more.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
What Shame Counselling Looks Like
Creating Safety & Trust
Because shame usually comes from past relational wounds, we begin by creating a safe, respectful space where you can be fully seen without fear of judgment or rejection.
Exploring Shame's Roots
We’ll explore where your shame came from—whether early experiences, cultural messages, trauma, or relational dynamics. Understanding the origin of your pain helps loosen its grip.
Naming the Inner Critic
Together, we’ll identify the voice of shame: the messages that say “I’m not enough” or “I don’t matter.” You’ll begin to separate your true self from these critical internal narratives.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Shame softens when we meet ourselves with care instead of criticism. You’ll learn to cultivate self-compassion—not as a quick fix, but as a daily practice of remembering your humanity.
Reclaiming Your Voice & Needs
As therapy progresses, you’ll practice expressing your boundaries, needs, and emotions with greater confidence and self-trust, and without apology or fear.
Integrating Worthiness
In later stages, we focus on helping you embody your worth—not because you’ve earned it, but because you’ve always had it. You’ll start living more freely, rooted in authenticity rather than shame.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if shame is at the root of what I’m feeling?
Shame is often invisible—but it quietly influences how we feel about ourselves, how we relate to others, and what we believe we deserve. If you feel like you’re not good enough, or carry a sense of guilt, failure, or brokenness, therapy can help you gently explore whether shame is part of that story.
What’s the difference between shame and guilt?
Guilt is about something you did—shame is about who you believe you are. Guilt says, “I made a mistake.” Shame says, “I am a mistake.” While guilt can sometimes be helpful in guiding our actions, shame tends to erode self-worth and isolate us from others. Therapy can help you untangle these feelings, hold yourself with more compassion, and separate your identity from your mistakes or experiences.
What kinds of therapy help with shame?
We use evidence-based approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These therapies are effective for unpacking shame and helping you build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Can shame therapy help if I’m not sure where my shame comes from?
Absolutely. You don’t need to have all the answers before starting therapy. Many people sense that shame is present—through self-doubt, inner criticism, or difficulty connecting with others—even if they can’t trace it to a specific event. In therapy, we’ll gently explore how shame may have taken root, often through early experiences or patterns, and work toward healing without rushing or forcing insight.
Will I have to talk about everything I feel ashamed of right away?
Not at all. We’ll go at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. Therapy isn’t about forcing disclosure—it’s about building trust and understanding. You get to decide what you share and when.
How long does shame therapy take?
The truth is that it varies. Some clients begin to feel relief and self-compassion after a few sessions, while others work more deeply over time. Since shame often develops over years, healing it is a gradual process—but even small steps can bring profound shifts.
What if I feel ashamed of needing therapy in the first place?
That’s more common than you might think. Many people feel ashamed of struggling, or of not being able to “figure it out” alone. Therapy can be a powerful way to challenge that shame and practice being human—imperfect, worthy, and still growing.
Is shame therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover therapy with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. You’ll receive a receipt you can submit for reimbursement, and most clients are reimbursed within a few business days.
What if I’m nervous to start?
That’s completely normal—especially if you’ve been carrying shame alone for a long time. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see how it feels.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30