About this course
Shame is a core emotion that drives pathological behavior and defense mechanisms, and it is a vital aspect of the human experience to address meaningfully in treatment. In an era of pressure to move patients in and out of treatment quickly, a push to focus on “evidence based treatment” shame is frequently overlooked during acute eating disorder treatment leaving our patients vulnerable to relapse and feeling as though they failed treatment rather than treatment failing the patient. Shame is a deep and painful emotional experience about the SELF, and not about behavior. When we address shame in treatment, we break down shame and step outside of it, we peak at it, explore it, and begin to redefine ourselves based on a deeper understanding of the roots of shame and enhanced self-awareness and self-compassion.
In this presentation, I will take learners on a journey through the understanding of shame, its origins and how it develops, how it is understood and how it is expressed, and how it can be addressed in treatment in order to promote healing. We will define shame and various types and presentations of shame, and discuss how shame is differentiated from other emotions. We will explore how shame and other emotions evolved, as well as various theories related to shame, and the connection between shame and morality. We will delve into how shame uniquely impacts and presents with those with eating disorders and body image and trauma. We will further explore the connection between altruism and shame and why people with an altruistic temperament are more prone to shame and how this connects to development of eating disorders. Interpersonal needs will be discussed in detail and how this may connect with the development of shame binds. An exploration of the pressure for “independence” may also impact the evolution of shame will be discussed.
The concept of “evidence based practice” vs “evidence based treatment” will be discussed as it relates to healing from shame, as well as the need for sound attachment in the patient/healer relationship in order to address shame in a meaningful way.
