“Through her own personal journey, by her vast experience as a psychotherapist, and with the empathy and kindness of a loving best friend, Dr. Zoe Shaw helps us not only address our complex shame but also untangle it so that it no longer binds us. In the end, she helps us realize that we are, indeed, stronger in the difficult places.”—Elayne Fluker, executive coach and author of Get Over “I Got It”
“After working with women for more than fifteen years, I have come to realize that buried, hidden, and deep shame resides in the hearts of many. They need to know that someone sees them, understands how they feel, and can help. In Dr. Zoe Shaw’s book, they will find that she is that person. It is rare to find personal experience, education, and wisdom combined in a single source, the way it is here. Through the retelling of her struggle, the identification of its impact, and the steps to heal and find hope, Dr. Zoe takes us on a journey that will bring strength to anyone who is in a difficult place. To say that I highly recommend this book is an understatement. I am confident that if you are hiding your hurt, this is a must-read.”—Darlene Brock, president of Grit and Grace Life, author of Raising Great Girls and When Suicide Touches Your Life
“If you have lived your life weighed down by shame and you are ready to get unstuck, Stronger in the Difficult Places will guide you along a compassionate journey of healing. Dr. Zoe Shaw bravely shares her deep personal pain and invites us to gently approach our own experiences with compassion. She brings heartfelt stories, years of clinical experience as a psychologist, and faith-filled wisdom to guide us in understanding complex shame. This book, and the revelatory framework it introduces, will help us move away from the lies of disgrace and turn toward the true grace that has been ours all along.”—Caroline Beidler, MSW, author of You Are Not Your Trauma
“In Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe Shaw shows that shame doesn’t have to hold you back—it can be the very thing that sets you free. With her groundbreaking, shame-busting perspective, she invites you to reimagine shame as a catalyst for growth, strength, resilience, and deeper connection. This fresh approach dismantles the false narratives of shame and helps you change how you see your past, your struggles, and ultimately yourself. This book gives you the courage to move beyond shame’s shadow, transforming your shame story into a human story marked by purpose, hope, and personal freedom.”—Shawn C. Horn, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and author of Thrive Socially with Adult ADHD