Resolving shame in group psychotherapy

This article addresses shame and the defenses against shame in group psychotherapy. The experience of shame involves the activation of devalued and devaluing introjects, either of which can be externalized through projection or projective identification resulting in the manifestation of contempt and envy. This article will examine ways to identify, understand, and manage these defenses in order to help resolve shame. The resolution of shame involves experiencing and verbalizing the profound sense of inadequacy associated with shame without resorting to splitting or receiving the anticipated rejection and condemnation from self and others.