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Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame
An empowering invitation to leave complex shame behind, forgive yourself, and live free from the burden of secrecy—by a clinical psychologist with an inspiring personal story.
“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.”—Elayne Fluker, executive coach and author of Get Over “I Got It”
Do you ever feel like your past is holding you hostage? As if the mistakes you’ve made, the pain you’ve endured, or the burdens you carry are too heavy to release?
You’re not alone.
In Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe Shaw opens her heart and her expertise to guide you through the healing process. Offering unflinching honesty but compassionate care, Dr. Zoe shares her own journey of breaking free from complex shame. For years, she believed her past defined her—until she realized she had the power to rewrite the narrative. Now she’s inviting you to do the same.
With wisdom rooted in psychology, science, and faith, Dr. Zoe helps you untangle the stories shame has written over your life so you can embrace freedom. Through personal reflection and practical tools, you will learn how to
• recognize and name your shame story, understanding how it has shaped your self-worth
• break free from false narratives that keep you playing small and doubting your value
• set healthy emotional and relational boundaries that protect your peace
• forgive yourself and embrace self-compassion without guilt or hesitation
• rewrite your future with strength, resilience, and a sense of unshakable worth
You don’t have to live weighed down by your past. Let Dr. Zoe sit with you in your struggles, walk with you through your story, and show you how Stronger in the Difficult Places can be your road map to healing, self-acceptance, and the freedom to live fully as the person you were always meant to be.
“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.”—Elayne Fluker, executive coach and author of Get Over “I Got It”
Do you ever feel like your past is holding you hostage? As if the mistakes you’ve made, the pain you’ve endured, or the burdens you carry are too heavy to release?
You’re not alone.
In Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe Shaw opens her heart and her expertise to guide you through the healing process. Offering unflinching honesty but compassionate care, Dr. Zoe shares her own journey of breaking free from complex shame. For years, she believed her past defined her—until she realized she had the power to rewrite the narrative. Now she’s inviting you to do the same.
With wisdom rooted in psychology, science, and faith, Dr. Zoe helps you untangle the stories shame has written over your life so you can embrace freedom. Through personal reflection and practical tools, you will learn how to
• recognize and name your shame story, understanding how it has shaped your self-worth
• break free from false narratives that keep you playing small and doubting your value
• set healthy emotional and relational boundaries that protect your peace
• forgive yourself and embrace self-compassion without guilt or hesitation
• rewrite your future with strength, resilience, and a sense of unshakable worth
You don’t have to live weighed down by your past. Let Dr. Zoe sit with you in your struggles, walk with you through your story, and show you how Stronger in the Difficult Places can be your road map to healing, self-acceptance, and the freedom to live fully as the person you were always meant to be.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
2873 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 12, 2025
I hate giving this book such a low score, but because it is published by a Christian publisher (Waterbrook), my rating reflects how I felt it fared as a Christian book. Dr. Zoe Shaw has certainly been through a lot in her life and kudos to her for getting her PHD and being a psychotherapist.
I am not suggesting that therapy is not beneficial, I personally have benefited from therapy and there are many stories here of her clients. But as a Christian book, I feel this book falls short. Ironically, I think the book unintendedly shows the limits psychoanalysis and therapy when it comes to deep guilt and shame. The crux of the book is that Dr. Shaw got pregnant at 15 and gave her daughter up for adoption at 16. This sends her into a deep lifetime spiral of guilt and shame. She refers to God in the book and her life in church, but overall God seems very distant and not that relevant to her process. She refers to some of the errors of the purity movement and a legalistic and strict (and slightly racist) church she attended as a child, but these errors seem to be an unspoken excuse for her behavior. I don’t want to come across as another legalistic pharisee, but sin is ultimately a sin against God. While this sounds old school and old fashioned, in reality this is the key to forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. Instead of taking her mistakes and sin to God, Dr. Zoe seems to spend a lifetime in therapy and study and research on the subject of shame. Much of the book dissects in detail Dr. Zoe’s various definitions and theories of shame: simple shame, complex shame and toxic shame. There is undoubtedly some benefit to much of this content, but as I read the book I became convinced that she was still deep in shame. For example, on page 200, a friend of hers tells her that God forgives her and she weeps. I was hopeful at that point that she would turn to God, but instead, she returns to more therapy. Sadly, this is several decades after the adoption. Another indication that she was still deep in shame was when one of her later children (her fourth) is born with several severe birth defects and she sees this as a kind of karma for what she did when she was 16. Karma? What?! As a Christian? Karma from whom? God? The Universe? I have no idea. Our shame is rooted in our sin before God and until we take them to God, we will (as Dr, Zoe seems to do) be “white knuckling” our way through life. Reading this book, I kept saying, take it to God girl, take it God. He loves you. He has prepared a way for complete forgiveness (the cross). It’s not easy and there might always be some residual issues from such a life changing event, but if we seek Him and let Him heal us, like only He can, God alone is up to the task.
I am not suggesting that therapy is not beneficial, I personally have benefited from therapy and there are many stories here of her clients. But as a Christian book, I feel this book falls short. Ironically, I think the book unintendedly shows the limits psychoanalysis and therapy when it comes to deep guilt and shame. The crux of the book is that Dr. Shaw got pregnant at 15 and gave her daughter up for adoption at 16. This sends her into a deep lifetime spiral of guilt and shame. She refers to God in the book and her life in church, but overall God seems very distant and not that relevant to her process. She refers to some of the errors of the purity movement and a legalistic and strict (and slightly racist) church she attended as a child, but these errors seem to be an unspoken excuse for her behavior. I don’t want to come across as another legalistic pharisee, but sin is ultimately a sin against God. While this sounds old school and old fashioned, in reality this is the key to forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. Instead of taking her mistakes and sin to God, Dr. Zoe seems to spend a lifetime in therapy and study and research on the subject of shame. Much of the book dissects in detail Dr. Zoe’s various definitions and theories of shame: simple shame, complex shame and toxic shame. There is undoubtedly some benefit to much of this content, but as I read the book I became convinced that she was still deep in shame. For example, on page 200, a friend of hers tells her that God forgives her and she weeps. I was hopeful at that point that she would turn to God, but instead, she returns to more therapy. Sadly, this is several decades after the adoption. Another indication that she was still deep in shame was when one of her later children (her fourth) is born with several severe birth defects and she sees this as a kind of karma for what she did when she was 16. Karma? What?! As a Christian? Karma from whom? God? The Universe? I have no idea. Our shame is rooted in our sin before God and until we take them to God, we will (as Dr, Zoe seems to do) be “white knuckling” our way through life. Reading this book, I kept saying, take it to God girl, take it God. He loves you. He has prepared a way for complete forgiveness (the cross). It’s not easy and there might always be some residual issues from such a life changing event, but if we seek Him and let Him heal us, like only He can, God alone is up to the task.
October 10, 2025
Dr. Zoe Shaw has written a book that is deeply compassionate and powerfully practical. In Stronger in Difficult Places, she blends faith and psychology with such grace, helping readers navigate hardship without shame or denial. Her approach is honest, hope-filled, and rooted in the belief that strength isn’t about perfection but perseverance.
What I love most about this book is that it doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. Dr. Zoe reminds us that God doesn’t always remove the storm, but He meets us in it. Through Scripture, clinical insight, and personal reflection, she equips readers to grow emotionally and spiritually right where life feels the hardest.
On a personal note, I know Dr. Zoe, and her heart truly shines through every page. She is as genuine and kind in person as she is in her writing—someone who lives what she teaches. Her wisdom, warmth, and authenticity make this book a must-read for anyone walking through a tough season and wondering if they’ll make it through.
A powerful resource for those who love books by Dr. Anita Phillips, Lysa TerKeurst, or John Mark Comer. Highly recommend.
What I love most about this book is that it doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. Dr. Zoe reminds us that God doesn’t always remove the storm, but He meets us in it. Through Scripture, clinical insight, and personal reflection, she equips readers to grow emotionally and spiritually right where life feels the hardest.
On a personal note, I know Dr. Zoe, and her heart truly shines through every page. She is as genuine and kind in person as she is in her writing—someone who lives what she teaches. Her wisdom, warmth, and authenticity make this book a must-read for anyone walking through a tough season and wondering if they’ll make it through.
A powerful resource for those who love books by Dr. Anita Phillips, Lysa TerKeurst, or John Mark Comer. Highly recommend.
Read
November 20, 2025As an author who studies external validation and the drive to achieve, I was especially intrigued by Dr. Zoe’s examination of how shame can actually contribute to success—at least for a while. It can be a powerful motivator, but as Dr. Zoe points out, it can’t sustain success. Left unresolved, shame has a way of resurfacing and sabotaging what you’ve built. If shame has fueled your drive, it’s time to read this book.
In a time when so many of us skim and fast-read, Stronger in the Difficult Places isn’t one of those books. Yes, you’ll be motivated to keep turning pages as you get caught up in Dr. Zoe’s story, but along the way you begin to realize how valuable this book truly is.
Dr. Zoe writes not just from personal experience but from her training as a psychotherapist and her faith. She offers a rare combination of warmth, wisdom, and professional insight. This is the first book I’ve read that clearly identifies the difference between guilt and shame, explores the various types of shame, and provides practical steps for maintaining freedom. It’s a powerful guide for anyone ready to do the inner work of healing.
In a time when so many of us skim and fast-read, Stronger in the Difficult Places isn’t one of those books. Yes, you’ll be motivated to keep turning pages as you get caught up in Dr. Zoe’s story, but along the way you begin to realize how valuable this book truly is.
Dr. Zoe writes not just from personal experience but from her training as a psychotherapist and her faith. She offers a rare combination of warmth, wisdom, and professional insight. This is the first book I’ve read that clearly identifies the difference between guilt and shame, explores the various types of shame, and provides practical steps for maintaining freedom. It’s a powerful guide for anyone ready to do the inner work of healing.
October 21, 2025
Powerful, Insightful, and Brave
In Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe Shaw invites readers into a deeply honest and courageous journey of healing from shame and past pain. With a rare blend of psychological insight, practical wisdom, and truth, she gently guides readers toward freedom and self-compassion.
Dr. Zoe doesn’t shy away from the hard questions or minimize the weight of trauma. She meets you in it. Her personal vulnerability and professional expertise come together beautifully, making this book both relatable and transformative.
For anyone who’s carried the burden of a painful past or struggled to see their worth, this book will remind you that even in the difficult places, God is still working, and you can become stronger through them.
In Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe Shaw invites readers into a deeply honest and courageous journey of healing from shame and past pain. With a rare blend of psychological insight, practical wisdom, and truth, she gently guides readers toward freedom and self-compassion.
Dr. Zoe doesn’t shy away from the hard questions or minimize the weight of trauma. She meets you in it. Her personal vulnerability and professional expertise come together beautifully, making this book both relatable and transformative.
For anyone who’s carried the burden of a painful past or struggled to see their worth, this book will remind you that even in the difficult places, God is still working, and you can become stronger through them.
September 30, 2025
This book drew me in from the start and captivated my attention all the way to the last page.
The author (Dr. Zoe Shaw) is a skilled storyteller who shares her heart in every part of her real-life story. Her honesty in sharing her life experiences and her compassion for the reader shows through every paragraph of this book. She has experienced heartbreak but she's also experienced hope.
I believe that Dr. Shaw's stories from the pages of her life will deeply resonate with the reader.
Congrats, Dr. Shaw, on a story well-written and delivered!
The author (Dr. Zoe Shaw) is a skilled storyteller who shares her heart in every part of her real-life story. Her honesty in sharing her life experiences and her compassion for the reader shows through every paragraph of this book. She has experienced heartbreak but she's also experienced hope.
I believe that Dr. Shaw's stories from the pages of her life will deeply resonate with the reader.
Congrats, Dr. Shaw, on a story well-written and delivered!
February 19, 2026
This book explores how shame quietly shows up in our lives and what it looks like to let it go. Zoe Shaw shares personal stories along with a few client examples to help explain how shame forms and how it can keep us stuck.
The overall tone is kind and encouraging, with lots of reassurance and permission to move forward without beating yourself up. It felt informative and supportive, especially if you are newer to this kind of inner work.
Not a huge mindset shift for me, but still a solid and thoughtful read.
The overall tone is kind and encouraging, with lots of reassurance and permission to move forward without beating yourself up. It felt informative and supportive, especially if you are newer to this kind of inner work.
Not a huge mindset shift for me, but still a solid and thoughtful read.
June 9, 2025
This book is an insightful deep dive into how shame affects our stories. It's also a catalogue of how shame affected the author throughout her life. I appreciated her wise, compassionate tone. Her personal stories added depth and validation to the points she makes. I appreciated the tips for listening to your compassionate truth teller instead of your inner critic. This book will be helpful to many, especially as an accompaniment to therapy.
January 4, 2026
I received a free copy through the Goodreads giveaway.
If you ever dealt with complex shame this book is for you.
Through telling her life story Dr Shaw explains perfectly what going through life with complex trauma and shame feels like and gives you a lot of tips on how to deal with them and how to ultimately live your life free of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone going through this.
If you ever dealt with complex shame this book is for you.
Through telling her life story Dr Shaw explains perfectly what going through life with complex trauma and shame feels like and gives you a lot of tips on how to deal with them and how to ultimately live your life free of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone going through this.
December 5, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this, and greatly enjoyed the author’s voice and genuine caring in the words. I liked the book’s topic, and Dr. Shaw’s personal life story woven throughout was riveting, but I tended to zone out during the “tips” components.
October 1, 2025
This book is fantastic and is a must-read for anyone dealing with the harmful effects of shame. Dr. Zoe reveals her heart in a beautiful and gripping manner and walks readers through thoughtful exercises that release shames grip on one's life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews