Shame is the inherent belief that we are flawed and unworthy. Shame is a lie.
Guilt is the feeling that you’ve done something bad that goes against your values and beliefs. Shame is the inherent belief that you are bad. Guilt implies: I did something that I regret and I feel bad about that. Shame implies: I am a horrible person and there is nothing I can do about that. For recovering sex addicts, guilt is a useful emotion to feel—a powerful motivator for being a better person today than yesterday—while shame is just a cesspool that keeps us mired in our active addiction.
Just for Today
Try to differentiate between feelings of guilt and feelings of shame.