For episode 297, Sharon sits down with Chris Germer to discuss his new book, Self-Compassion for Shame.
Chris Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of several books including Self-Compassion for Burnout, co-authored with Dr. Kristin Neff. His new book, Self-Compassion for Shame: A Step-by-Step Guide to Inner Freedom was just released in September of 2026 from The Guilford Press. Chris lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.
In this conversation, Sharon and Chris speak about:
- Chris’s early interest in psychologyLearning meditation in the seventiesContemplative practice with psychologyHow Chris came to self-compassionSharon’s influence in Chris’s pathHow loving-kindness changed Chris’s lifeChris’s public speaking anxietySharon’s experience with public speakingHow Chris became aware of his own shameShame is an attack on the sense of selfShame compared to similar emotions and traitsHow we can learn to recognize shameHow the new book is organizedWhen shame can be helpfulDr Kristin Neff’s model of self-compassionWelcoming all parts of ourselvesTaking responsibility for our shameLean in, lean back, or let goNon-striving and non-fixing in self-compassionSelf-compassion is the end of the struggleHow Chris approaches his therapy practice
Additional Resources:
The episode closes with Chris leading a guided meditation on self-compassion for shame. You can learn more about Chris’s work right here.
Related Metta Hour Episodes:
Episode 252 Dr. Kristin Neff’s most recent appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2024.
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