On Understanding Shame

Reviews the book, Understanding Shame by Carl Goldberg (1991). This book is Carl Goldberg's effort to address inattention to the concept of shame in psychoanalytic literature. Early in this tome, Goldberg emphasizes his dissatisfaction with the traditional emphasis on guilt as a central issue, and he seeks to demonstrate that shame, and not guilt, lies at the heart of much of human suffering. The book makes many strong assertions about the role of shame and its presence in many clinical and life situations. However, the book also suffers from its ambition. Its earlier, more theoretical portions have a relentless tone to them. The reader can benefit from exposure to this book's notions of shame and their thoughtful application to some therapeutic encounters, but he or she must also assume responsibility for placing them in proper perspective on the broader bookshelf of important psychotherapeutic ideas and concepts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)