Notes On…Daring Greatly (in therapy)
I love me some Brené Brown. Maybe you've seen her TED Talk, where she lights up the stage with her wisdom on vulnerability, courage, and connection. With her unique blend of research-backed insight and heartwarming storytelling, Brown is a rockstar for those of us navigating the messy terrain of human connection. A research professor at the University of Houston, she's authored several bestselling books like Daring Greatly and Braving the Wilderness, each one delivering a masterclass in embracing vulnerability and living wholeheartedly. Her TED Talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," remains one of the most-watched ever, resonating with millions for its truth-telling about the power of courage in the face of uncertainty. I count myself amongst that number.
In the therapeutic space, where courage and vulnerability intersect, I witness firsthand how that transformation unfolds. Drawing inspiration from Brené Brown's work Daring Greatly, we explore how it shapes the therapeutic journey. What truly transpires between a therapist and a client? Vulnerability here isn't a weakness to hide but a strength to embrace, inviting clients into a journey of wholehearted living.
"Trust is built in very small moments," says Brown. Trust and safety form the foundation of therapy, and we know this can take time. Therapists cultivate an environment of nonjudgmental acceptance where clients feel safe, heard, and seen. By actively listening, showing empathy, and offering unconditional positive regard, therapists create a trust that allows vulnerability to flourish. Within this secure space, clients can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions.
Shame and vulnerability are intertwined, but therapy offers a path toward shame resilience and wholehearted living. Therapists guide clients in loosening shame's grip, enabling them to rewrite their narratives and reshape their stories. By embracing their true selves and shedding shame, clients cultivate self-compassion, worthiness, and deeper connections with others.
Only recently did I recognize the profound truth that attending therapy is, in itself, an act of Daring Greatly. In a society that still misunderstands and stigmatizes vulnerability, seeking therapy demands immense courage and a willingness to confront the depths of our inner worlds. It is a bold and daring act to step into that therapy space, be it physical or virtual, and open ourselves to growth, healing, and transformation.
Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Penguin Random House.
