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