The losses or disappointments that people avoid thinking about often emerge as symptoms later in life. The very things that we most want to forget return in disguise to haunt us just at moments of highest stress. What people don't want to know has the most power over them. I believe that what gives these feelings power is the shroud of secrecy that surrounds them, and that by breaking the silence the weight of private suffering can be lessened. 
More importantly, allegiences to the past keep old patterns repeating and are difficult to change. By developing an understanding of this people can break out of patterns that keep them stuck. By doing this people not only get relief from their symptoms but may also modify the patterns and beliefs that recreate the symptoms. When people are able to face the guilt and shame suffered alone and work toward understanding the source of those feelings, they can increase the level of freedom and satisfaction in their lives.