Frank Spinelli
- Physician, author, researcher, and trauma-informed coach
- Expert in shame literacy, trauma recovery, and behavioral change
- Creator of the C.O.M.P.A.S.S. framework for lasting transformation
Frank Spinelli Speaker Biography
Dr. Frank Spinelli is a physician, author, researcher, and health and trauma-informed coach who bridges clinical authority, lived experience, and media presence to transform conversations around shame, trauma recovery, and behavioral change. He is Global Medical Director, Anti-Infectives at Pfizer; Senior Medical Advisor and Media Spokesperson for Reframe (millions of downloads); and co-host of the Reframeable Podcast. His book, The Shame Compass (Level Best Books, August 2026), presents the C.O.M.P.A.S.S. framework — a seven-stage methodology integrating neuroscience, somatic therapy, and lived experience into practical tools for shame literacy and lasting change. His debut memoir, Pee-Shy (Kensington Books, 2013), received endorsements from Whoopi Goldberg and others. He has authored or co-authored 50+ peer-reviewed manuscripts and recently launched a Psychology Today column on shame literacy. Dr. Spinelli lives in Sag Harbor, NY.
Book this SpeakerSpeech Topics
Why High Achievers Carry the Deepest Shame
“Building Shame-Resilient Leaders and Organizations”
This talk challenges the assumption that professional success equals personal confidence — and exposes the hidden costs of high-achieving shame cultures. Drawing on my experience as both a pharmaceutical leader and a trauma recovery expert, I offer a framework for recognizing and dismantling achievement-driven shame before it costs organizations their best people.
• Understand why your highest performers may be your most at-risk
• Learn how shame drives burnout, turnover, and leadership gaps
• Apply the C.O.M.P.A.S.S. Framework to build psychological safety at scale
• Walk away with a leadership culture audit tool your team can use immediately
Ideal for: Corporate C-suite retreats, executive leadership conferences, pharmaceutical and biotech summits, physician wellness programs, women in leadership forums
The Four Ps Emergency Protocol
“How to Stop a Shame Spiral Before It Destroys Your Day”
This talk teaches a four-step intervention grounded in nervous system science that audiences can deploy in 30 seconds — at work, in relationships, and in crisis. It is the most immediately actionable talk I offer and the one audiences most often request for follow-up sessions.
• Understand the neuroscience behind shame spirals and reactive patterns
• Learn the Four Ps: Pause → Present → Ponder → Possibilities
• Practice the intervention live — before leaving the room
• Build a daily resilience habit that requires no extra time
Ideal for: Corporate wellness programs, healthcare organizations, addiction recovery communities, trauma survivor networks, educational institutions.
Shame as Compass
Reading the Signals Your Nervous System Is Telling You
This keynote teaches the foundational C.O.M.P.A.S.S. framework, integrating clinical research with
practical tools for personal healing and professional application. Designed for clinicians, therapists,
coaches, and healthcare professionals.
The C.O.M.P.A.S.S. Framework:
C — Confront: Notice shame is present
O — Observe: Get curious without judgment
M — Map: Trace shame back to its origin
P — Process: Move shame through body, story, and relationship
A — Accept: Hold reality without self-abandonment
S — Sustain: Build reliable daily practices
S — Serve: Turn the wound into the bridge
Ideal For: Therapeutic conferences, healthcare professional development, physician wellness,
trauma-informed organizations, addiction recovery treatment centers, survivor support networks,
clinical training programs
