Shame — the belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unworthy — is one of the most powerful drivers of conversion therapy and the primary barrier to seeking help.
How Shame Maintains Conversion Therapy
- Shame drives concealment of conversion therapy, preventing the help that would reduce it
- Self-blame for conversion therapy creates additional psychological burden
- Shame spirals can trigger and worsen conversion therapy episodes
- Shame isolates — and isolation is a primary conversion therapy amplifier
Shame vs. Guilt in Conversion Therapy
Shame ('I am bad/flawed because I have conversion therapy'): Drives more conversion therapy
Guilt ('My behavior related to conversion therapy hurt someone'): Can be productive
Therapy often helps shift from shame to guilt and then to self-compassion.
Building Shame Resilience for Conversion Therapy
Brené Brown's shame resilience framework: recognize shame triggers, practice critical awareness, reach out, and share your story — all applicable to conversion therapy shame.