We will look at “affect theory” (Tomkins 1962, 1991). Tomkins described affect as “pre-programmed and neurological responses” to certain stimuli, observable in early infancy. He suggests that even small children experience shame when interrupted while experiencing the rising physiology of one of what he called the positive affects of ‘Interest-Excitement, or ‘Enjoyment-Joy’.

Nathanson (1992) offers “The Compass of Shame” as a model for how the individual makes a choice of how to manage this experience. This simple model helps us to understand and explore what is a complex process involving an interruption to the original rising affect followed by the individual’s attempts not to have the consequent painful feeling of shame.

Participants will be introduced to Tomkins’ ‘Innate Affects’, the ‘Cognitive Phase of the Shame Experience’ (Nathanson 1992) and the ‘Compass of Shame’ and invited to think about the application of these models to their work with their clients, or, indeed, to themselves.

Alison recently moved to Crieff from Edinburgh where she was in private practice for many years as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer with CPTI, and more recently with Physis. Although she has now retired from her practice as a therapist she continues to run a small supervision practice for individuals and groups, as well as bi-annual seminars.

Her published articles have included ‘Suicide: The Only Way Out’ (2006: The Transactional Analyst), and ‘Thoughts on Shame and Pride’ (2013: Strokes).

She has had a particular interest in exploring issues involved with the universal experience of shame.

Her other continuing interests are her grandchildren, painting and developing the garden in her new home. Until recent events intervened she was taking the first steps towards becoming involved in her new community – currently this goes not further than Thursday evenings on the doorstep.