The Science: Why Guilt Lingers
Guilt serves an important evolutionary purpose—it signals when we've violated our values or harmed others, motivating us to repair relationships and do better. But guilt can also become chronic, persisting long after it serves any useful purpose.
The brain stores guilt alongside memories of the triggering event. Each time you recall what happened, the guilt activates again, keeping you stuck in a loop of self-blame. This ongoing guilt doesn't help anyone—it just punishes you repeatedly for something that's already in the past.
How Tapping Releases Guilt
Tapping on acupressure points while focusing on guilt sends calming signals to the amygdala, reducing the emotional charge attached to the memory. This allows you to see the situation more clearly—often revealing that you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. The result: you can integrate any lessons while releasing the ongoing weight of guilt.
Real Results of Releasing Guilt
Katy
"Thank you! This was perfect."
Cate
"This is so helpful. Recently lost my mom and feel like I could have done more. I realize I did all I could. Thanks!"
Keisha
"I can't thank you enough for this. I have been having bad guilt over my three-year-old watching more TV than I'd like. She's home with me all day and we can't go out like we used to so I am choosing to be at peace with us and know that I'm still a good mother."
Thank you so much for this Tapping subject. I'm trying to release years of guilt. This Tapping is really helping release some of my guilt.
Linda, working on years of accumulated guilt
Vicki
"I couldn't release the guilt on my own but this meditation really helped."
Sharon
"I really enjoyed being able to go through and really feel into the situation. It was great to give compassion to myself. My guilt came from feeling I could have done more regarding my parent's serious illness but reality is I could not. I see this now."
Nereida
"As always, with the perfect sentences. Simply Amazing! Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!"
Common Sources of Guilt
People use this session to work on many different types of guilt:
- Parenting guilt: Not being present enough, screen time, working too much
- Caregiver guilt: Feeling you could have done more for aging parents or sick loved ones
- Relationship guilt: Things said or unsaid, actions taken or not taken
- Survivor's guilt: Being okay when others aren't
- Self-care guilt: Taking time for yourself, saying no
- Past decisions: Choices that can't be undone
The Difference Between Guilt and Shame
Guilt says "I did something bad." Shame says "I am bad." While they often overlap, guilt is typically about specific actions, while shame is about your sense of self. Both can be addressed with Tapping, and often working on guilt reveals underlying shame that also needs attention.
If you find that your guilt is really about who you are rather than what you did, you might also benefit from the Releasing Shame session.
Thank you so much. Probably going to have to do it 100 more times to get there. But it is helping.
Kelly, committed to the process
When Guilt Doesn't Match Reality
Many people carry guilt that is disproportionate to their actual responsibility. You might feel guilty about things you couldn't control, situations where you actually did your best, or outcomes that weren't your fault.
Tapping helps you see more clearly. As you calm your nervous system, you often gain perspective—recognizing that you did what you could with what you knew at the time. This isn't about making excuses; it's about seeing accurately.
Ready to Release Guilt?
Try the Releasing Guilt session in the app—used by over 38,000 people.