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The Solitude and Agony of Unbearable Shame

Monash University, Melbourne, sabar{at}iprimus.com.au

The focus of this article is only on the very severe intensity of unbearable shame, which remains unspoken, as opposed to shame encountered in everyday life, which does not lead to longstanding, emotionally traumatic consequences.

Theoretical, as well as clinical aspects of unbearable shame, leading to `loss of face', dehumanization, severe impairment of both physical and emotional health, repeated failures in psychotherapy, or in certain circumstances, resulting in even more serious consequences, namely soul murder, overwhelming despair, leading to violence, suicide, or murder are explored. Group analysis, as well as combined group and individual psychotherapy frameworks, as used for the management of these patients, are discussed.

A study of the complexities of unbearable shame is made with reference to the works of Paul Mollon (2002), James Gilligan (2000), Donald Nathanson (1987), Helen Block Lewis (1971), Michael Lewis (1975) and others.

Key Words: shame • anxiety • narcissism • demoralization • failures in psychotherapy • combined group and individual psychotherapy

Group Analysis, Vol. 42, No. 2, 143-155 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0533316409104362


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