What does it mean to be vulnerable? Brené Brown, renowned researcher on topics like shame, defines it as "uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure." It's feeling naked, afraid, and insecure. For many people, feelings of vulnerability are uncomfortable or even terrifying. So we try to numb and shut down those emotions.
However, Brown has also found that to live a passionate, meaningful life, we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable. The fear of letting go of that protective armor keeps us from building deep connections, achieving personal growth, and finding purpose. So why do we fear vulnerability so much and how can therapy help overcome those barriers?
Where Does the Fear Come From?
Fears around emotional exposure often start in childhood. Children who felt consistently rejected, lonely, or unsafe when opening up emotionally can subconsciously close themselves off later in life. Trauma can also lead to chronic hypervigilance making vulnerability feel dangerous. Culture plays a role too. Societal norms about strength and self-reliance contradict being vulnerable. No matter the origin, the fear prevents living boldly.
Why We Need Vulnerability
Despite its risks, Brown cites vulnerability as “the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” It fuels innovation, deep bonding, confidence and is at the core of meaningful human existence. By opening up in therapy, we give ourselves the chance to experience life fully.
The Role of Therapy
Therapy offers a space free of judgment where personal evolution and openness are encouraged. A good therapist works to establish trust, so the natural desire to self-protect begins to soften. As we share shames or insecurities and meet accepting care in return, emotional armor starts to crack. We begin rewriting old narratives that equate exposure with pain. Each small vulnerable act builds courage to push further. We discover we are enough, prejudices we carried were false, and the risk was worth it. In therapy, we learn how freeing it feels to unleash suppressed pieces of ourselves. With compassion and patience, we can dissolve the fear of vulnerability for good.
The process requires commitment but profound freedom waits on the other side. Willingness to be vulnerable unlocks our highest potential and humanity. If past trauma or experiences have caused you to lock away parts of who you are, a great therapist can help set you free.
