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