Emotional journey

Breaking free from shame and self-blame after divorce

If you came out of a relationship feeling ashamed, stuck in self-blame or questioning your self-worth, this episode offers compassionate guidance to help you heal and rebuild confidence.

18 February 2026
37 MIN
#181

If you came out of a relationship feeling ashamed, stuck in self-blame or questioning your self-worth, this episode offers compassionate guidance to help you heal and rebuild confidence.

Kate is joined by Sarah Wilson, founder of Coastal Coaching and host of The Inner SUCCESS Story podcast, to explore how toxic relationship patterns form, why shame often follows separation and how low self-esteem can make breakups feel even more painful - especially if you were the one who chose to leave.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Sarah’s personal experience of staying in an unhealthy relationship
  • How shame can show up after a breakup 
  • The link between childhood experiences and adult relationship patterns
  • Why low self-esteem can worsen the emotional impact of separation
  • Actionable steps to build self-love and self-compassion post-divorce

This episode is for anyone navigating the emotional aftermath of a difficult breakup who wants to understand themselves with more compassion and begin rebuilding confidence from a steadier place.

**Trigger warning: **this episode covers content that some listeners might find distressing, including toxic relationships, emotional abuse and shame.

Meet Sarah Wilson

Sarah is the founder of Coastal Coaching (Sussex) Limited, a keynote speaker and the host of The Inner SUCCESS Story podcast.

Her early family relationships shaped a deep sense of not being good enough, a pattern that followed her into adulthood and her marriage. After leaving an emotionally abusive relationship, and inspired by her young son, she committed to deep personal change.

In 2020, Sarah founded Coastal Coaching to support professionals stepping into leadership and help them build confidence from the inside out. Her work is grounded in accredited coaching practice, lived experience and a belief that people have more choice than they realise. 

You can learn more about Sarah on her website or you can get in touch with her on LinkedIn. For more tips on how to break free from self-sabotaging habits, you can tune in to her podcast The Inner S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Story.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce is out in March, including practical guidance on emotional recovery, self-compassion and moving forward after separation. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.

Latest Episodes

Episode #195: Supporting men's mental health at work during divorce, with Halfords
Emotional journey
20 May 2026
33 MIN

Supporting men's mental health at work during divorce, with Halfords

Mental health at work is hard to talk about - and for men, it can feel even harder, especially when divorce or separation is part of the picture.

#195
Episode #194: Single parenting after divorce: support, boundaries and self-care
Coparenting
13 May 2026
40 MIN

Single parenting after divorce: support, boundaries and self-care

Single parenting after separation is a lot – and so much of it goes unspoken.

#194
Episode #193: Glass half-full: Libby Brodie on how divorce made her a better person
Separation stories
6 May 2026
35 MIN

Glass half-full: Libby Brodie on how divorce made her a better person

Separation and a complete career change at the same time – sound overwhelming? For Libby Brodie, it was the start of something unexpected.

#193

Listen to The Divorce Podcast on your favourite platform