Shame and shame reactions are two of the most delicate and difficult issues of psychotherapy and are among the most likely to defy our usual dynamic, systemic, and behavioral theories. In this groundbreaking new collection, The Voice of Shame, thirteen distinguished authors show how use of the Gestalt model of self and relationship can clarify the dynamics of shame and lead us to fresh approaches and methods in this challenging terrain. This model shows how shame issues become pivotal in therapeutic and other relationships and how healing shame is the key to transformational change.

Part I: Theory.Lee, Shame and the Gestalt Model. Wheeler, Self and Shame: A New Paradigm for Psychotherapy. Part II: Applications.Wheeler, Jones, Finding Our Sons: A Male-Male Gestalt. Stein, Lee, Chronic Illness and Shame: One Person's Story. Singer, Homosexuality and Shame: Clinical Meditations on the Cultural Violation of Self. Huckabay, Lesbian Identity and Context of Shame. Lee, The Waif and Mr. Hyde: One Couple's Struggle with Shame. Wheeler, Shame, Guilt, and Codependency: Dana's World. Fodor, A Woman and Her Body: The Cycles of Pride and Shame. Part III: Perspectives.Lichtenberg, Shame and the Making of a Social Class System. Jacobs, Shame in the Therapeutic Dialogue. Simon, Geib, When Therapists Cause Shame: Rupture and Repair at the Contact Boundary. Mathys, Absence and Shame: A Cross-Cultural Encounter. Yontef, Shame and Guilt in Gestalt Therapy: Theory and Practice. Wheeler, Epilogue.

Robert G. Lee, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Cambridge and Newton, MA, specializing in research and treatment of shame issues in individuals, couples, and families.

Gordon Wheeler, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, MA, working with children, adults, and families. He writes and speaks widely on men's development and gender issues.