Group Discussion Guide: Counseling Against Shame

Lesson 8 — Scorning Shame

1. Curt suggests that “all sin starts with distraction.”  

   • What is your evaluation of this statement? Does it ring true in your professional experience? Why or why not?  

   • What are some practical things you can do to get into the habit of recognizing the work your patients are putting in and commending them for it?   

2. By looking shame in the face, Jesus left a model for us. But scorning shame is hard work since we’d prefer to simply ignore it.  

   • What is the difference between “ignoring” and “scorning” shame? What are some of the (futile) ways we try to ignore our shame rather than scorn it?  

   • What techniques do you employ to help your patients confront their shame and interrupt its damaging effects?