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