Avoiding vulnerability is a common adverse childhood experiences response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Concealing adverse childhood experiences from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when adverse childhood experiences is high is enormous
- Shame about adverse childhood experiences thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of adverse childhood experiences often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in adverse childhood experiences) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and adverse childhood experiences. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Adverse Childhood Experiences
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.