About the Course

This "on demand" course can be completed at your own pace (there are no live class meetings)

Shame is one of the most powerful—and hidden—emotions survivors often carry. For victim advocates, understanding shame is essential to providing effective, compassionate, and nonjudgmental support. This brief course introduces advocates to the nature of shame, how it shows up in the lives of survivors, and the ways it can impact healing. Together, we’ll explore the difference between shame and guilt, common sources of shame, and how shame influences communication, trust, and self-perception.

Participants will also learn practical strategies to reduce shame’s impact in advocacy settings, including language choices, validation techniques, and approaches that foster dignity and empowerment. By the end of the course, advocates will be better equipped to recognize shame, respond with empathy, and create safer spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and respected.

Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course. They may use it to obtain advocate CEUs. 

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome from Dr. Kate Watson

    2. All about the learning platform

    3. Syllabus

    4. Access to the course

    5. Survey

    1. Video: Shame vs. Guilt

    2. Video: Feeling Shame After Trauma

    3. Video: Shame is the Cause, Not the Solution

    4. Video: Shame is Protective

    5. Video: Shame as a Weapon of Control

    6. Knowledge Check!

    1. Video: Accidentally Increasing Shame

    2. Video: Helping Folks Who Feel Shame

    3. Knowledge Check!

    4. Optional Bonus Videos (curated list from YouTube)

    1. Video: Understanding Shame that Advocates Feel

    2. Article: Shame and Negative Self Talk

    3. Optional Writing Exercise

    1. Video: Conclusion

    2. Resource Guide

    3. Next Steps

    4. Feedback

About this course

  • Free
  • 22 lessons

FAQ

  • What can I expect from a "LIVE" course?

    Upon purchase, you will have access to a learning platform with a welcome message, a Zoom link, and some resources to review. On the date of the live course, you will log in to your Thinkific account and click the link to the Zoom meeting. There is no pre-work required, but some resources (articles, videos, etc.) might be available for you to enjoy ahead of time. Learners will have access to the platform and it's resources for 1 month after the live event.

  • What can I expect from an "on demand" course?

    Upon purchase, you will have access to a learning platform with videos, exercises, quizzes, and articles. Complete the course materials at your own place. Some learners will finish in one sitting, while others may take several days or weeks. Learners will have access for 90 days (3 months) from the time of purchase, unless they have purchased a subscription package, which allows ongoing access beyond 3 months.

  • I'm curious about the "custom" options. What are they?

    The Advocacy Academy can build a course tailored to the needs of your organization/ team. The course can be designed in many different ways: (1) In Thinkific (like an on demand course), (2) Live on Zoom, or (3) Live onsite at your company/ organization. Email [email protected] to set up a meeting to discuss.

  • Will I receive CEUs if I participate in a course?

    If you are looking for CEUs for credentialed advocates, NACP or D-SAACP are the accrediting bodies for that certification. On their websites, they indicate that you do not need pre-approval for CEU courses that you may take. Anything related to victim advocacy should count. The staff at The Advocacy Academy can help with any documentation that you need. If you are looking for social work, nursing, or any other kind of CEUs, please contact your accrediting body to find out the requirements. Typically, we able to provide the proper documentation needed for professionals across many disciplines to receive CEUs. It might just require a little leg work!

  • Can I enroll my entire team?

    Yes. If you have a large group of people to enroll, email [email protected] for assistance. You can just send a list with each person's name and email address. We can upload it to the system, rather than entering them one at a time.

  • How do I enroll in all of the courses at once?

    From our homepage, find the option titled "Ultimate Advocate Bundle." You can enroll in all of the on demand courses at a discounted rate, and you will receive a year of access, rather than the standard 30 days that usually comes with an on demand course.

  • I still have a question. What should I do?

    Email [email protected]

Are you finding what you're looking for?

We offer LIVE trainings (on Zoom with an instructor) or On Demand (with no live instructor). Each course's title indicates if it is "LIVE" or "On Demand."

Learn about earning certificates!

Access to On Demand Courses

Learners will have access to the course for 90 days

Unless otherwise specified, all courses offer 90 days of access. Generally speaking, The Advocacy Academy is happy to offer more time when a learner makes a request. 

Note: Learners who purchase the "Ultimate Advocate Bundle" will have access to their courses for 1 year.