Shame Explained:

As part of her Doctoral work, Dr. Hoffer developed an expertise in shame and created a web site which provides relevant information to both clinicians and clients. In her words: 

It is incumbent upon clinicians to recognize shame in ourselves and in our clients. Shame that is not addressed is frequently the reason for therapeutic stalemates and even failures (Lewis, 1984). While unaddressed, shame can impede the therapeutic process. Working directly with shame can deepen the therapeutic process. I created this multimedia project with psychotherapists and therapy clients in mind in an effort to demystify and humanize this elusive emotion. My hope is that the information offered about shame will be useful in positively impacting the therapist's relationships with clients, in educating clients, and in deepening therapeutic work.