Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of “I’m not good enough,” replaying past mistakes and feeling like you’re spiraling into self-doubt? In this episode of Uninhibited: The Mental Health Podcast, licensed professional counselor Jessica Van Leer unpacks the anatomy of shame spirals—what triggers them, why they’re so neurologically powerful, and how to break free without abandoning yourself in the process.

You’ll learn:

• What a shame spiral really is—and how it differs from guilt

• The neuroscience behind shame (and why it’s so hard to think your way out of it)

• Common triggers that send us into spirals—from social media to childhood wounds

• A five-step strategy to interrupt the spiral using body-based and cognitive tools

• How trauma survivors experience shame differently and how a trauma-informed lens helps

• Daily practices to build shame resilience and respond with compassion, not criticism

• Gentle ways to reconnect with your worth even when your inner critic is loud

This episode offers real-world examples, somatic regulation strategies, and reflection prompts to help you recognize when shame shows up—and remind yourself that you are not your worst moment.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, perfectionism, or the echoes of past wounds, this episode will help you move from inner collapse to inner connection.

🔖 Educational disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute therapy or create a therapeutic relationship. If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out to a licensed provider in your area.

🎧 Stay tuned for next week’s episode: “Productivity or Perfectionism? How to Tell the Difference—and Let Go.”