Healing Shame and Guilt: The Developmental Roots of Chronic Shame and Guilt and How the Neuroaffective Relational Model (Narm) Can Help You Heal and R

An innovative, trauma-informed approach to resolving chronic shame and guilt

Shame and guilt are core emotions that can significantly limit our lives: They diminish our capacity for intimacy, trust, and connection. They fuel anxiety. They contribute to relationship struggles and amplify issues at work. And yet, we may not even be aware of the self-shaming habits that cause our distress!

In this book, therapists Laurence Heller, PhD, and Stephan K. Niederwieser provide practical tools for identifying and treating chronic shame using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Part 1 of the book explains how guilt and shame are not actually emotions, but rather should be seen as experiences that take root in our brains and bodies. Heller and Niederwieser show how shame is learned in childhood and processed as we grow up, emphasizing that shame has nothing to do with who we truly are.

Part 2 of the book--designed for therapists and clinicians--provides an in-depth, practical guide for addressing chronic shame using the NARM approach. Originally designed for treating C-PTSD or developmental trauma, NARM identifies and strengthens our core drive for connection and healing. Going far beyond self-affirmations or boosting esteem, the NARM approach to overcoming chronic shame targets the roots rather than just the symptoms, helping us truly shed shame, develop self-confidence, and find inner peace.

Author: Laurence Heller,Stephan K. Niederwieser
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.83lbs
Size: 8.91h x 5.92w x 0.48d
ISBN: 9798889842897


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2026 pg. 68

About the Author
DR. LAURENCE HELLER is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM(R)) and Founder of the NARM Training Institute. Dr. Heller has conducted NARM trainings and case consultations for thousands of therapists throughout the United States and Europe. He is coauthor of Healing Developmental Trauma and Crash Course, and most recently The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. The book presents one of the first comprehensive therapeutic models for addressing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).

STEPHAN KONRAD NIEDERWIESER is a NARM Master Practitioner. He provides advanced seminars, individual and group supervision, and certifies future NARM Master Practitioners. In his private practice in Berlin, Germany, he supports individuals in freeing themselves from the lasting effects of early trauma, chronic shame and guilt. Niederweisser has written several books on healing from the effects of developmental trauma.