By Carolyn Cowan

Shame, Faith and the Search for Belonging

Psychotherapist, Author and Leading Online Educator

Wednesday 17th June 2026 · 4PM to 5PM BST

In this webinar, Carolyn Cowan explores the complex relationship between religion, spirituality, faith and shame through a reflective and psychologically informed lens. Drawing on psychological insight, she considers how religious narratives may shape a person’s relationship with themselves and the sacred. This sensitive exploration supports clinicians in understanding how spiritual teachings intersect with unresolved shame to support healing in clinical work.

https://youtu.be/LoTqCJkncok

Key Takeaways

Attendees will leave this webinar with practical insights and a more nuanced clinical approach to the intersection of faith and shame.

Recognise the distinction between guilt and shame, and reflect on how this may present in clients whose identities and life experiences have been shaped by religion or spirituality.

Identify how themes such as forgiveness, deserving, purity, judgement, exclusion and belonging may influence a client’s self-concept, relational patterns and help-seeking.

Develop a more nuanced understanding of how shame can affect a person’s capacity to receive compassion, intimacy, support or spiritual comfort.

Consider how these dynamics may show up in areas such as addiction, compulsive behaviour, spiritual struggle and recovery.

Reflect on how to hold conversations about religion and spirituality with greater sensitivity, curiosity and clinical care, without imposing meaning or belief.

Webinar Details

Speaker contact: info@carolyncowan.com

Speaker website: carolyncowan.com

Upcoming workshop: Shame – October 2026. A deep-dive, experiential workshop exploring shame, identity and repair in clinical and personal contexts. https://carolyncowan.com/shame-workshop-october-2026/

Recommended reading: Shame – The Path Out of Hell. https://carolyncowan.com/buy-the-shame-book/

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