Answering Your Questions: Overcoming Guilt and How Therapy Can Help
Category: Misc.
If you’re struggling with guilt, you’re not alone. Read on for help with some common questions.
Topic Of Discussion
Whether because of something we’ve done, something we haven’t done, or even something we’ve only thought about, guilt is a powerful emotion – one that can be so consuming that we must deal with it effectively for the sake of our mental health.
If you’re struggling with guilt, you’re not alone. Read on for help with some common questions.
I feel like a terrible person. Does everyone experience guilt like this?
The simple truth is, yes, because we are all imperfect and make mistakes. Guilt arises when we perceive that we’ve hurt someone, failed ourselves, or failed to meet others’ expectations.
Can I really overcome my guilt?
Yes, because in overcoming guilt, the goal isn’t to erase memories of what happened or to totally free yourself of responsibility. Instead, it’s about transforming your guilt into a constructive force and moving forward with more self-awareness and resilience.
Okay. So how do I get started?
This is where therapy can be incredibly beneficial. A therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the roots of your guilt and reframe critical thoughts. Especially if you’ve acknowledged your mistake and even tried to make amends, but the guilt lingers, you might need additional support and help processing these feelings. Or, even if you’re just beginning the process of overcoming your guilt, a therapist can help with identifying triggers and negative thought patterns that perpetuate your guilty feelings.
Wrapping it up
One of the best, and most common, outcomes of addressing guilt is gaining self-acceptance. Remember that your flaws and imperfections are part of your human experience, and you don’t have to carry the weight of your guilt alone. Our therapists at Tri-Star Counseling are ready to recognize your humanity and set you on the path to recognizing it for yourself.
