Hidden Things – Greg Hasek’s MA/MFT comments.

This song is the perfect opportunity to use regarding the issue of shame with clients. Shame is different from guilt. Guilt is feeling you have done something wrong. Shame is believing that you are wrong, defective, a bad person. Men and women that have had an abortion often feel deep shame and may even not share this secret with their family, friends, partner, or spouse. This song can be used to help validate what many feel and opens the door to talk about how to heal from the shame of abortion.

Allow the client to read the lyrics if they want before listening to the song. Suggest that eyes are closed while listening.

Discussion Points with Client

  1. What did you experience while listening to this song?
    • What did you think?
    • What did you feel?
  2. Discuss the difference between guilt and shame.
    • Which can you relate to the most?
  3. This song is about shame, how have you seen shame in your life relative to your abortion experience?

Hidden Things: Lyrics

Hidden Things
Words & Music by Gina Boe, Lisa Qualsett, & Sue Smith

Behind the eyes a world unseen
of sleepless nights and silent screams
The self-inflicted suffering
Of slavery to hidden things
Buried in the darkest part
Shame and secrets rule my heart
Begging for the light to bring
Rescue from these hidden things

All these choices I have made
Break me in the deepest place
Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
Is there hope for hidden things?

So much I feel but try to hide
The guilt and grief I hold inside
I wrestle with the memories
To keep them with the hidden things

All these choices I have made
Break me in the deepest place
Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
Is there hope for hidden things?

Bolt and chain it with a smile
Hold the pain back
Hold the pain back
Bolt and chain it with a smile
If only for a little while

All these choices I have made
Break me in the deepest place
Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
Is there hope for hidden things?

© Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Songs / Songs From Bobb Avenue/WillyDot Music (BMI) / EnCorps Songs / Song corps publishing BMI