Shame is one of the most powerful—and least visible—forces maintaining eating disorder behaviors.

Often, shame is not about food or body at all. It is about safety, attachment, visibility, and belonging.

This Shame-Informed Reflection Tool helps clinicians support clients in understanding shame as an adaptive response—one that once served a protective function.

Clinical Focus

This worksheet is grounded in:

• Trauma-informed care

• Nervous system awareness

• Attachment theory

• Relational approaches to eating disorder treatment

Rather than attempting to eliminate shame, the tool supports gentle inquiry, normalization, and integration.

This Resource Includes:

• Body-based reflection prompts

• Exploration of shame’s protective role

• Developmental and relational inquiry

• Compassion-centered framing

From Our Clinical Team

At Ai Pono Hawaii, we view shame not as a client failing—but as a signal of past adaptations that deserve understanding and care. We welcome collaboration with clinicians supporting complex eating disorder presentations.