“Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” (James 5:16 Message)

Compassionate listening and unconditional love are very healing.

In some of our families of origin, and in most institutional churches, we are only loved if we perform to a certain standard. As a result, people learn to hide their shadow selves and are filled with guilt and shame.

When we repress or deny our shadow, it can grow in power. If we bring it to the light, healing can occur.