Complex Shame: Why Talking About It Isn’t Enough (and What Actually Heals) with Dr. Zoe Shaw

In this deeply moving episode of The Power to Flourish, I’m joined by Dr. Zoe Shaw—therapist, author, and a woman whose life and work embody resilience, honesty, and hard-won freedom.


Dr. Zoe is the author of Stronger in the Difficult Places—a powerful exploration of what happens when shame becomes layered, internalized, and quietly drives our lives, especially for high-functioning, capable women who appear “fine” on the outside.


In our conversation, we go beyond surface-level healing and explore complex shame—why simply “talking about it” doesn’t always bring relief, how shame fuels overachievement and codependency, and what it truly looks like to move from self-protection into peace. We also talk candidly about faith, self-forgiveness, and the courage it takes to live without hiding.


This is a grounding conversation for women who carry a lot—and are ready to stop carrying it alone.


In this episode, we talk about:

• The difference between guilt, shame, and complex shame
• Why “talking about it” doesn’t always lead to healing
• How shame often shows up as overachievement or codependency
• Why love can feel hard to receive when parts of you are hidden
• The role of self-forgiveness in lasting healing
• What flourishing looks like after shame loosens its grip

If you’ve ever wondered, Why do I still feel this way—even after doing so much inner work?—this episode is for you.


Explore Dr. Zoe’s Work


Website: https://drzoeshaw.com/


Book: Stronger in the Difficult Places
https://drzoeshaw.com/book


Podcast: Stronger in the Difficult Places Podcast
https://drzoeshaw.com/podcast/


Social Media
Instagram:   / drzoeshaw  
Facebook:   / drzoeshaw  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.zoeshawta...


Free Resources from Dr. Zoe


Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™
https://dr-zoe-shaw-enterprises.kit.c...


Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places
https://dr-zoe-shaw-enterprises.kit.c...


Send me a text -- I'd love to hear your questions for the show! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...)


RESOURCES & LINKS


• Take the quiz: Are You a Gifted Woman? (https://go.andrealein.com/quizpodcast)

• Sign up to receive my Sanctuary Letters (https://go.andrealein.com/sanctuaryle...)

• Book a free Flourishing Call (https://go.andrealein.com/flourishcal...)

• Follow me on Instagram: @dr.andrealein (  / dr.andrealein  )

• Learn more: andrealein.com (https://www.andrealein.com)


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