ABSTRACT
Guilt fits the facts when the person has violated a group rule or norm, but to an extent that does not risk being expelled from the group. Self-punishment is a corruption of the natural action urge, and is driven by a desire to hasten the ending of that guilty feeling. This chapter highlights the signature features of guilt and presents an example scenario of guilt. It discusses special considerations in regulating guilt. Fear of feeling guilty is often worse for clients than the guilt itself. The cognitive aspects of guilt are probably stronger than the physiological, as the signature features are subtle. What the client is saying to him or herself about their guilt is very important. Guilt needs up-regulating if the client is engaging in behaviours that cause damage or distress to others and makes no sign of wanting to make a repair.
