Shame-Crossed Addictions, Mental Health, & Recovery

This course will address toxic shame and how it factors into addictions, behavioral disorders, mental illnesses, and emotional distress, as well as its relationship with trauma. Students will explore the role that shame plays in our society, how core shame can interfere with effective treatment and recovery, and how defense mechanisms allow shame to contribute to emotional/psychological trauma. Students will participate in activities and strategies to understand the personal impact shame may have, minimize defense mechanisms, and learn the application of these principles in their interpersonal relationships with others. Students will increase their knowledge and skills regarding trauma informed care to assist clients to improve mental health and enhance resilience. This course emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for receivers and providers of services, while ensuring a positive recovery support relationship; positive and appropriate self-disclosure will be addressed. This course is intended for individuals interested in obtaining certification as an Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS); it is also appropriate for counselors, social workers, recovery or peer workers, supervisors, and students in fields such as counseling, substance use disorder, social work, corrections, and other mental health areas.