The Life-Changing Power of Making Repairs w/ Dr. Sarah Michaud

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Jan 1, 2026

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Sarah Michaud, a psychologist and recovery advocate, dives into the transformative power of making amends. She shares that repairing harm often brings more liberation than mere self-forgiveness. The duo discusses how guilt and shame can erode relationships and the courage required to confront our mistakes. Dr. Michaud elaborates on the different types of amends, their emotional benefits, and the importance of addressing unresolved anger. Practical steps for making amends are highlighted, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth.

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INSIGHT

Two Traps That Block Healing

People justify wrongdoing two ways: blame others or self-condemnation, and both block repair.
Owning your part without self-flagellation opens the path to genuine change.

ADVICE

Create A Clear Amends List

Start by listing names and make specific, unqualified apologies for clear harms.
Avoid explanations, don't demand forgiveness, and consult someone before reaching out if resentments remain.

ADVICE

Follow A Structured Repair Process

Use structured steps (inventory, tell another person, list amends, make amends) to avoid self-deception.
Do nightly checks to prevent accumulating new harms.

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Making amends, making repairs is even more powerful than self forgiveness or self-compassion. When you learn to fix the harms you've caused you can truly find emotional freedom.

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Where to find Dr. Sarah Michaud https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown https://drsarahmichaud.com/

Ted Talk: Our story of rape and reconciliation - Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPoqFcvt9w

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Michaud and I explore the profound themes of self-compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of making amends. We discuss how guilt and shame can manifest in our lives and the courage required to face our mistakes.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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