🧠 Ever feel like you're not enough... and you don’t even know why? You’re not alone.
In this deeply moving episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian D. Smith is joined by educator, lecturer, and author **Monica Gullotta** to explore the hidden force driving so many of our struggles: **shame**.
🎙️ Monica reveals how shame:
* Is not just an emotion, but an invisible wound 🩹
* Can be silently passed down through generations 👪
* Fuels anxiety, depression, addiction—and even grief 💔
* Often hides beneath perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and codependency 🎭
🔥 For the first time, Monica shares her **7 Developmental & Recovery Stages of Shame**, a framework she created after decades of helping others—and healing her own pain.
💬 “Shame doesn’t want to be exposed. It thrives in the dark. But when we shine a light on it… we begin to heal.” — Monica Gullotta
This conversation is raw, real, and transformational. If you’ve ever wrestled with that inner voice telling you you’re not good enough—or if you’ve felt stuck in your grief—this episode is for you. 🫶
🎧 Watch now and discover how to:
✅ Identify the signs of shame in your life
✅ Break free from emotional patterns keeping you stuck
✅ Begin the journey toward self-acceptance, compassion, and healing
👇 Drop a comment and let us know: What’s one way shame has shown up in your life—and what helped you begin to heal?
🔗 Connect with Monica:
Website: [https://www.monicashelp.com](https://www.monicashelp.com)
Books on Amazon: *Conquering Shame*, *Therapy Land*, *Rethinking Anxiety & Depression*
👥 Join our community after the episode at: [https://www.grief2growth.com/community](https://www.grief2growth.com/community)
🧡 Together, we turn pain into purpose.
#ConqueringShame #Grief2Growth #EmotionalHealing #MonicaGullotta #ShameRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #SelfCompassion #BrianDSmith
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00:00 🌱 Introduction – Pain, Purpose & Growth
Brian opens the episode with a powerful metaphor: what if grief isn't burial, but planting? Welcome to Grief 2 Growth.
01:08 🎤 Meet Monica Gullotta
Monica shares her background in mental health and her journey toward understanding the role of shame.
03:40 😔 What Is Shame, Really?
Monica defines shame as an emotion—insidious, environmental, and often unconscious.
06:32 💔 Monica’s Personal Shame Story
A candid look at how Monica’s childhood shaped her internalized shame—and how long it went undetected.
10:55 🧠 Religion, Culture & Shame
How societal norms, religious beliefs, and dominant culture reinforce toxic shame.
16:03 ⚠️ Effects of Shame on Mental Health
Addiction, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, depression—Monica breaks down the real impact of shame.
21:12 🪞 Real-Life Stories of Shame
Monica shares powerful client stories—including one about not feeling worthy to sit at the dinner table.
26:29 🧩 Brian Reflects on Internalized Shame
Brian opens up about his own shame from religious trauma and childhood conditioning.
32:03 🔄 The Shame Cycle & Social Silence
Why we post about dogs on social media—but not our pain. The invisibility of shame in public spaces.
36:42 🛠️ Tools to Conquer Shame (ARM & More)
Monica introduces practical healing tools: ARM, “Detect & Redirect,” journaling, self-soothing.
41:55 🔍 Discovering Shame’s Origin
Why it helps to go back to childhood to identify when and where shame was planted.
45:14 🌊 Grief & Shame Intertwined
How shame can block the grieving process and deepen emotional isolation after a loss.
50:28 📚 Monica’s 7 Stages of Shame
From victimization to liberation, Monica shares her groundbreaking model of shame recovery.
56:38 🧘 Returning to the Authentic Self
Why reclaiming who we truly are is both possible and essential for healing.
59:25 💬 Final Thoughts + How to Work with Monica
Where to find Monica’s books and how to connect with her for mentoring or workshops.
