I think guilt is super-helpful in life. I think guilt is the little Jimminy Cricket on our shoulder, reminding us not to slip up again when we do something hurtful.

I don't think it's good if we fatten little Jimminy up to gorilla size and let him club us half to death for not being perfect.

So, I'd say guilt is useful as a teacher to an extent, and I try to counteract excessive guilt with statements of self-worth, compassion, and understanding.