Avoiding vulnerability is a common cognitive behavioral therapy response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and cognitive behavioral therapy opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Concealing cognitive behavioral therapy from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when cognitive behavioral therapy is high is enormous
- Shame about cognitive behavioral therapy thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of cognitive behavioral therapy often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in cognitive behavioral therapy) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and cognitive behavioral therapy. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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.