Empathy: The Antidote to Shame

03/20/25 • 27 min

Many teen moms and adult mothers who were teen moms feel or have felt shame, and it caused them to want to withdraw and hide. Shame, however, can't survive empathy. Empathy--the ability to emotionally connect with what the other person is feeling, see things from their point of view, and put yourself in their shoes, is the antidote to shame. In today's episode Dr. Chris discusses five (5) ways everyone can demonstrate empathy.

To learn more about shame, a great resource is to listen to Shame and Vulnerability Researcher and Author, Brene Brown's, TED Talk, Listening to Shame, which has over 20 million views. She explains shame and why empathy is the antidote:

To learn more about our organization, Teen Moms Anonymous, please visit our website- www.teenmomsA.org

To learn more about our organization, Teen Moms Anonymous, please visit our website- www.teenmomsA.org

Previous Episode

Judgment and Shame

Many young mothers experience judgment and are riddled with shame.

In today's episode, Dr. Chris discusses judgment and shame, two powerful and uncomfortable emotions that trigger a physical sensation in the body, making us want to shrink back and hide.

Listen to learn more.

Next Episode

Introduction: Healing the Shame That Binds You

Shame can be a powerful force in our lives, especially for teen mothers who face unique challenges and societal judgment. But what if there's a difference between healthy shame that guides us and toxic shame that defines us?
In this introduction to our groundbreaking five-part series, "Healing the Shame that Binds You," Dr. Chris explores the crucial distinction that can transform your parenting journey. Healthy shame serves as a natural boundary, reminding us that we're human with limits—not gods. It's perfectly normal and helps us recognize when we need support. Toxic shame, however, convinces us that we're fundamentally flawed and unworthy of love.
The origins of toxic shame run deep. Children aren't born with shame; it develops through family interactions, particularly with primary caregivers. Dr. Chris examines three pathways that create toxic shame in childhood: emotionally wounded caregivers, parental abandonment, and repeated exposure to shaming experiences like abuse or domestic violence. Understanding these origins is the first step toward breaking the cycle with your own children.
Drawing inspiration from John Bradshaw's pioneering work, Healing the Shame that Binds You, this series offers more than just analysis—it provides a roadmap to healing. By addressing your emotional wounds, you'll be better equipped to nurture your child's healthy emotional development, preventing the transmission of toxic shame to the next generation. Each episode builds toward practical strategies for transformation, helping you move from shame-based parenting to connection-based nurturing.
Ready to transform your relationship with shame and become the emotionally healthy parent your child deserves? Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss any part of this life-changing series, and join our community of teen moms supporting each other through the healing journey.

Visit teammomsA.org or follow us on social media @TeenMomsAnonymous to access additional resources and connect with others walking the same path.