When Shame Dies: The Transformative Power of Safe Storytelling

“Shame dies when stories are told in a safe place.”

That’s not just a beautiful quote—it’s a sacred truth. One I’ve lived, one I’ve witnessed, and one I hold gently in my heart every time I sit with someone ready to speak their truth.

Long before I became a coach, before I held space for others, I was a newcomer to this country.

My English wasn’t fluent. My accent was thick. And I often struggled to find the right words.

People would laugh. Correct me harshly. Sometimes they’d speak over me before I could finish a sentence.

And so, I slowly stopped speaking.

I became quiet, cautious, shy.

And inside, I carried deep shame.

Shame that made me feel small.

Shame that told me I wasn’t smart enough, or good enough, or “enough” in any language.

For years, that shame silenced me.

Until one moment—years later—shifted everything.

That’s a story I’ll share another time, but what I will say is:

I know what it feels like.

To be voiceless.

To be misunderstood.

To shrink, even when your soul longs to expand.

The Healing Power of Being Seen

That’s why I believe so fiercely in safe storytelling spaces.

Not just because I’ve studied it. Not just because I’ve witnessed it.

But because I’ve lived it.

When we are met with kindness instead of correction,

With curiosity instead of judgment,

With presence instead of performance—

We soften. We open. We begin to heal.

We realize we’re not alone.

We realize we are human.

And we realize that what we’ve carried doesn’t define who we are.

Why This Matters Everywhere

We often think safe spaces are only needed in therapy offices or spiritual circles—but the truth is, we need them everywhere. Especially in the places where we spend our time working, learning, and leading.

I believe:

   •   Emotional safety belongs in the boardroom

   •   Vulnerability belongs in leadership

   •   And stories—our real stories—belong in the world

Because when people feel safe to share who they really are, shame loses its grip, and something more powerful takes its place: connection, courage, and wholeness.

The Invitation

If you’ve ever carried shame around your voice, your story, your identity, your past—please know: I see you. I’ve been you.

You don’t have to carry it alone anymore.

You don’t have to silence your story to belong.

You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Whether it’s in a coaching space, a quiet conversation, or simply within your own heart, your story matters.

And it deserves a place where it can be spoken, held, and honored.

This is the work I do.

This is the space I hold.

Because I know how life-changing it is to finally be heard.

With tenderness and truth,

Sabine