In REBT, which technique is used to deliberately provoke mild discomfort to disconfirm irrational beliefs about shame?

• A. Tape Recording Sessions
• B. Time Projection
• C. REBT Skills Training
• D. Shame Attacking

Answer: (D)

In REBT, this technique uses a direct, experiential test to challenge irrational beliefs about shame. Shame Attacking involves deliberately inviting mild embarrassment in safe, controlled situations to disconfirm the belief that feeling ashamed is unbearable or must be avoided at all costs. By tolerating the small discomfort and observing that it isn’t catastrophic or toxic to self-worth, the client sees that the rigid rule—“I must not feel ashamed” or “I must be perfect to be okay”—is overblown. This helps weaken the absolutist musts around shame and shows that social disapproval or a momentary blush doesn’t ruin one’s value as a person. Other techniques may focus on recording or projecting outcomes or general skills, but this one specifically targets testing and reshaping the fear of shame through action and lived experience.