[This episode with Dr. Marcela Matos is from an episode aired on The Compassion Initiative Podcast, 24 July 2019.]

"It’s crucial to understand that shame experiences are universal, but responding to them with compassion can change everything."

In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I revisit a remarkable 2019 conversation I had with with Dr. Marcela Matos from the University of Coimbra. Dr. Matos shares her journey into psychology, focusing on her pioneering research on shame, shame memories, and compassion. Together, we delve into the evolutionary roots and traumatic qualities of shame, its impact on mental health, and the potential of self-compassion and Compassion Focused Therapy to mitigate these effects. Tune in for a profound discussion on the intersections of psychology, compassion, and human experience.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Introducing Dr. Marcela Matos

03:00 Dr. Matos' Journey into Psychology

06:38 Exploring Shame and Its Impact

22:55 Research Findings on Shame

37:38 Compassion as a Buffer Against Shame

43:32 Clinical Implications and Future Directions

55:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts