Stronger in Difficult Places: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Worthiness and Healing

 Shame is heavy—and most of us carry more of it than we realize. Therapist and author Dr. Zoe Shaw joins me to unpack complex shame and share what it really takes to heal, reclaim your worth, and show up fully as yourself.

Therapist and author Dr. Zoe Shaw introduces the concept of complex shame—a deeper, more persistent form of shame that can’t be erased with outside compassion alone.

Dr. Zoe opens up about her own story of teenage pregnancy, being sent away to a maternity home, and the years of overachievement she used to mask her pain. She explains how complex shame develops, the many ways it shows up—racial, generational, religious, body, gender—and why real healing requires self-compassion, accountability, and forgiveness.

At the heart of her message: you are worthy to show up exactly as you are.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between “simple” shame and complex shame
• Dr. Zoe’s personal journey through secrecy, grief, and overachievement
• The many forms of shame and how to recognize them
• Why self-compassion is non-negotiable for healing
• Tools for forgiveness and rewriting your story
• How releasing shame creates freedom, authenticity, and hope

📌 Resources & Links

• Connect with Dr. Zoe: drzoeshaw.com | @drzoeshaw
• CLICK HERE to buy her book Stronger in Difficult Places
• Recommended read: Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith

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