General

Shame can be a difficult emotion to recognize because it doesn't always look like shame. Sometimes it shows up as anger, avoidance, defensiveness, shutting down, or just wanting to disappear.

This worksheet, adapted from concepts from ACT, helps people slow things down and look at:

• What triggered the shame

• How it showed up in thoughts, feelings, and behavior

• The important difference between shame and guilt

• What shame may be pushing them to do

• How to choose a healthier next step

I especially like the idea that we can take responsibility for something we've done without turning it into a judgment about everything we are.