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