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Counselling for Shame and Guilt in Vancouver, BC

If relentless shame and guilt are eroding your self-worth and coloring your view of the world, you’re not alone. Our specialized online counselling services, accessible throughout British Columbia, offer a safe and compassionate space to explore the roots of these difficult emotions.

Whether rooted in past trauma, challenging life experiences, or internalized negativity, we’ll help you understand the patterns, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate a stronger sense of self. For Vancouver residents, we also offer in-person therapy options, including EMDR Therapy.

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Counselling for shame and guilt

About Shame and Guilt

When someone experiences persistent feelings of shame and guilt, it’s often not due to a specific current event but rather an enduring sense that is always present. This is known as “core shame,” which is a profound feeling of inadequacy or worthlessness and is frequently found in individuals who have undergone past trauma.

These individuals may also be more sensitive to feeling guilty about current events and taking to heart the blame or perceived blame of others.

When we feel guilty, it’s because we think we did something terrible. This feeling can help us make things right and keep the rules. But when we feel shame, it’s about thinking we are flawed. We might believe there’s no way to make things better. Guilt can make us feel sorry, but we still feel loved and can make things right.

Experiencing shame and guilt early in life can shape how we feel about ourselves. Addressing these feelings requires working with a trained counselor. The counselor provides support, guidance, and tools to help build self-esteem and separate from the influence of others.

 

This process may include experientially learning:

  • Understand how the brain and mind work to grasp better your feelings and behaviors related to shame and guilt.
  • Learn about managing stress to keep emotional balance when experiencing guilt and shame.
  • Identify hidden thoughts and beliefs that contribute to harmful guilt and core shame and their relationship with other emotions like anger and sadness.
  • Create new, positive beliefs about yourself and others to change automatic interpretations and expectations.
  • Develop healthier ways of communicating and relating with others and yourself while focusing on emotional boundaries and self-control.
  • Understand and manage various underlying emotions associated with guilt and shame and the need for safety and connection.
  • Gain new thinking tools and problem-solving techniques to manage life’s challenges, guilt, and shame.
  • Learn practical principles to approach life’s challenges with greater peace of mind and success.
Shame & Guilt Counselling | Local Therapists at Wellspring

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Our Approach

  • Person-Centered & Trauma-Informed: We adapt our approach to fit your needs, always considering the potential impact of your past experiences.
  • Compassionate & Non-Judgmental: We use proven therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches.
  • Evidence-Based Methods: We utilize proven therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches.

A Special Message from the Director

Clients Say

Testimonials

Mr. Gordon is someone that captures the spirit and the heart of active engagement. He is empathic, genuine and incorporates action and creative problem solving into his practice. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Gordon as an effective career and personal counsellor.

NA

I had no experience with therapy and was unsure of the whole process. Alistair made everything very accessible and unintimidating. It was clear that he puts quite a lot of effort and preparation into every session. I'm so glad that I decided to do this, and could not have asked for a better person to help me with this. I would highly recommend Alistair to anyone who has ever thought that they might benefit from talking to a professional.

EH

I am a young professional which for a long time now, has struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty in finding effective life coping mechanisms. Alistair was referred to me by a friend and upon the first meeting, I found Alistair to be empathetic, compassionate and intuitive. I have now been seeing Alistair regularly for 6 months and through that time my anxiety has significantly decreased, I have found effective methods of dealing with stress, found support dealing with identity issues, as well as finding inner strength to get through a tough break up. Alistair again and again, went the extra mile -thank you Alistair for your candor, openness and a safe space to get support. Thank you for playing such a large role in keeping me healthy and positive.

KL

I have been working with Alistair Gordon as my counsellor at Wellspring for almost 6 months now and cannot begin to tell you how far I have come with his help. I have tried working with other counsellors and therapists in the past but never really found one that clicked for me. I always felt judged, unsupported, and rushed at those appointments until I booked my first appointment with Wellspring and with Allistair. To anyone on the fence about booking an appointment or engaging in therapy: if you are willing to do the work, you couldn't ask for a better partner in your healing journey.

ER

When I decided to find a counsellor, I tried to find someone that I could relate to, someone that is like-minded and down-to-earth and with Alistair I really found the right person. He uses an integrative approach, showed me techniques to relax and get aware of my emotions, and helped me see things in a new perspective. Of course this is an ongoing process but I enjoy meeting and working with Alistair every time. The downtown office is a very neutral place - not too intimate, not too clinical - which is helpful to overcome apprehension, especially the first couple of times. What I find remarkable is that Alistair almost always knows what I'm trying to say, even if I can't put it into words. Working with Alistair helped me a lot and it was the right decision to put my trust in him.

MA

Alistair really cares about you the person, and I could really feel him trying to tackle my challenges. He was also very available for off-session contact via text and email. I think he did a great job with confronting me where I needed it. Alistair always could remember the important peoples' names in my personal life, which really helped with talking about my problems. I really felt like I was talking to a friend.

MS

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I enjoy how sessions are collaborative where I can take the lead for the direction of what we talk about, and at the same time I know that Alistair will offer helpful guidance and insight along the way. I also like how we focus on the future instead of just the past. I find this to be empowering and helpful to move forward in life.

RM

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I have always felt very comfortable with Alistair. He has a calming presence, and you can tell he cares about being the best counsellor for you. He helps you with all aspects of your concern, and is always able to help me find a solution to the problem I'm having.

SD

Alistair is an exceptionally talented counsellor and has always demonstrated strong ethics, great compassion, wisdom and respect for others. I highly recommend him as a counselling practitioner.

MB

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Counselling for Shame and Guilt in Vancouver, BC

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Shame & Guilt Counselling in Vancouver | Local Counsellors at Wellspring