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Stronger in the Difficult Places

Stronger in the Difficult Places

Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame

About the Book

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.
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Praise for Stronger in the Difficult Places

“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
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About the Author

Dr. Zoe Shaw
Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, author, speaker, podcast host, relationships coach, and fitness enthusiast. She is a mom to five. She is passionate about helping women overcome shame and codependency, so they can experience health in their relationships with themselves and others. After fifteen years in traditional psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zoe jumped off the couch and now helps women using a different modality—a mix of virtual therapy, coaching services, and programs—through a lens of psychology, faith, and a dash of feminism. More by Dr. Zoe Shaw
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