The Subtle Attack of Shame on Spirituality | An Interview with James Willhite

James Willhite is an experiential therapist, coach, and consultant.
He previously worked for 20 years in finance and sales management
where he found a passion for speaking and coaching, then decided to
switch careers and earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Lamar University. With Steven Shields he co-founded
Accepted, a collection of exclusively trained experiential guide
who lead individuals, families, groups, and corporations to
maximize their health and connection. James also serves on the
board of three non-profit organizations (Unashamed Unafraid, A
Warrior Heart, and Heart of a Woman) and firmly believes that as we
work to remove the obstacles and barriers of trauma, our true and
divine identity will be uncovered at our core. He loves spending
time with his wife, Kristy and with his four children. Links
AcceptedLife.com Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints
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the Core Leader Library Highlights James talks about the
complexities of shame, particularly in the context of spirituality
and personal growth. Wilhite addresses issues like anxiety,
depression, addiction, and trauma in his practice. He highlights
the subtle yet pervasive nature of shame, often overlooked in
therapeutic settings, and how it can lead individuals to hide from
God and themselves. The discussion delves into the biblical story
of Adam and Eve, exploring how shame was introduced into the human
experience and how it continues to affect individuals today.
Wilhite explains that shame is a primary weapon used by the
adversary to create distance between individuals and God, leading
to feelings of inadequacy and the need to seek validation from
others rather than from the divine. He emphasizes the importance of
recognizing and naming shame to break free from its grip,
encouraging listeners to understand their true identity as children
of God. Throughout the episode, Wilhite offers practical advice for
church leaders and individuals alike, urging them to embrace the
inevitability of pain, work, and uncertainty in life as
opportunities for growth rather than as punishments. He underscores
the significance of leaning into God’s goodness and trusting in His
promises, even amidst struggles. The conversation culminates in a
powerful reminder that healing is possible through understanding
one's identity and the nature of God, ultimately inviting listeners
to embark on their own "shame adventure" to foster healing and
connection. 03:30 - Understanding Shame in Therapy 04:50 - Common
Issues in Therapy Post-COVID 06:30 - The Role of Trauma in Therapy
08:00 - Experiential Therapy vs. Talk Therapy 09:30 - Importance of
Finding the Right Therapist 10:50 - The Adam and Eve Story and
Shame 12:30 - The Subtlety of Shame 14:00 - Hiding from God and Its
Consequences 16:30 - The Cycle of Perfectionism and Shame 18:00 -
Recognizing Shame in Leadership 19:30 - God's Nature and Our
Identity 21:00 - The Importance of Self-Compassion 22:30 - The
Journey of Healing from Shame 24:00 - God's Response to Adam and
Eve 26:00 - Misinterpretation of God's Blessings 28:00 - Embracing
Pain and Work as Inevitable 30:00 - Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty
32:00 - The Role of Pain in Growth 34:00 - Feeling to Heal: The
Process of Therapy 36:00 - Allowing Ourselves to Feel Emotions
38:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Healing The award-winning
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