therapy
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shame
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overcome shame and find support for lasting recovery
Shame can make even the strongest person feel hidden, small, or unworthy. Shame isolates, silences, and convinces you that you’re all alone in your struggles. At Galen Hope, we help adults and teens break free from shame’s grip and rediscover their inherent worth. Through compassionate, evidence-based support, our team helps you reconnect with hope, strength, and a sense of belonging.
what is shame, and how does it affect us?
Shame is the painful belief that something is wrong with who you are, not just what you’ve done. Shame thrives in secrecy and silence, often rooted in early experiences, trauma, identity-based stress, or the pressure to meet impossible expectations. While guilt says, “I made a mistake,” shame whispers, “I am a mistake.”
Over time, shame shapes how you think, relate, and cope. It may show up as perfectionism, self-criticism, emotional withdrawal, or feeling undeserving of connection. It may fuel anxiety, depression, disordered eating, relationship challenges, and substance use. Shame is powerful, but with the right support, it does not have to define your life.
our approach to overcoming shame
At Galen Hope, we create a therapeutic environment where you can safely explore your story without judgment. Shame begins to heal when it’s met with empathy, compassion, honesty, and connection—which is exactly how we work! Our team uses trauma-informed therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, narrative therapy, somatic work, and relational healing, to address shame from every angle.
Instead of simply challenging thoughts, we help you rebuild a compassionate internal dialogue, understand your emotional responses, and reconnect with your strengths. By addressing the roots of shame (not just symptoms), we help you develop a more grounded, empowered sense of self.
what overcoming shame might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical clients we work with to overcome shame
Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.
Shame affects people across ages, identities, cultures, and experiences. At Galen Hope, we support teens, college students, and adults navigating the pressure to meet expectations, manage trauma, and maintain resilience. We welcome LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, trauma survivors, and those facing cultural or identity-based shame.
Our programs support professionals, high-achieving students, caregivers, and individuals from BIPOC and Latin/Hispanic communities seeking a space that understands and respects their lived experiences. No matter your background or story, shame does not get the final word – and you don’t have to face it alone.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
shame faqs
how can I tell if I am struggling with shame?
You may notice harsh self-judgment, fear of vulnerability, or an ongoing sense of “not being enough.” People struggling with shame often avoid situations where they are seen, evaluated, or exposed. You may also feel disconnected from others or find it difficult to accept praise or support. If your self-worth feels fragile or dependent on perfection, shame may play a significant role.
what causes feelings of shame?
Shame comes from childhood experiences, trauma, social comparison, cultural pressures, identity-based discrimination, or chronic criticism. It may develop when emotional needs were unmet or when you learned to hide parts of yourself to stay safe. Sometimes shame grows from internalized beliefs rather than specific events. Regardless of its origins, shame can be understood and healed.
how is shame different from guilt?
Guilt focuses on behavior, while shame targets the self. While guilt may motivate healthy change, shame tends to silence, isolate, and overwhelm. Recognizing the difference between guilt and shame is a key step in recovery.
what are common signs of toxic shame?
Toxic shame shows up as chronic self-blame, avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or feeling fundamentally flawed. You may struggle with boundaries or have a fear of being truly known or seen. You may feel emotionally numb or have anxiety, depression, addiction, or problems with relationships. When shame is a core part of your dignity, deeper support is required.
can therapy help with shame?
Yes. Therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal shame because it provides the safe relationship and skilled guidance needed to eradicate shame. Evidence-based therapy helps you challenge internalized beliefs, process painful memories, and develop self-compassion. Over time, therapy helps you rewrite the narrative you’ve carried for far too long.
how do I stop shame from controlling my life?
Breaking the cycle of shame involves awareness, self-kindness, and connection with supportive people. Learning to recognize shame triggers, practicing grounding techniques, and challenging old beliefs creates space for change. With therapeutic support, you will build a more empowered identity rooted in truth rather than fear.
how can I help a friend or family member dealing with shame?
You can help by listening with empathy and without judgment, allowing them to share their feelings safely. Remind them that their worth isn’t defined by mistakes and encourage self-compassion and professional support if needed.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, First Health, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
In-Network: Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, First Health, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UHC, AvMed, and Oscar.
Out-of-Network: We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Evernorth, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our treatment centers in florida
With two state-of-the-art treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope provides a deeply supportive and healing environment for clients working to overcome shame and other mental health concerns. Our programs blend clinical excellence with compassionate care, offering integrative treatment designed to spark real, lasting transformation. Perhaps you live in Florida, or maybe you’re traveling from out of state. However you find us, you’ll discover a community committed to helping you rebuild your sense of worth, belonging, and confidence.
Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. In Delray Beach—just south of Palm Beach—clients will find a serene and supportive environment ideal for healing and growth. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445