Vulnerability, Shame, and Empathy

Reconnecting with your partner is possible! In order to help heal a relationship from any type of disconnection both partners must learn how vulnerability, shame, and empathy shows up in their life.  That is not an easy task for anyone. Let alone a couple who have been disconnected and have formed a cycle keeps them away from each other. 

I have found with my work with clients that some partners spiral into shame. While others stay so far away from vulnerability they put all the repair work onto the other partner.  No matter what created your disconnection within your relationship you can repair. Yet, it requires you to look at vulnerability, shame, and empathy. 

Vulnerability, Shame, and Empathy Research

Brené Brown is a shame and vulnerability researcher. While many books and speakers have been around talking about shame and vulnerability, she brings an honest perspective to talking about vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Below are some of her videos on vulnerability, shame, and empathy.

Vulnerability

Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

Shame

Brené Brown: Listening to shame: TED Talk: Inspiring: Informative: IdeasShame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.

Shame & Empathy

In an excerpt from her new psychoeducational shame-resilience curriculum, University of Houston researcher and educator Brené Brown discusses the destructive nature of shame and the healing power of empathy.

Empathy

What is the best way to ease someone’s pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities.

Blame

You are probably a bit of a blamer – most of us are. But why should we give it up? In this witty sequel to our most watched RSA Short, inspirational thinker Brené Brown considers why we blame others, how it sabotages our relationships, and why we desperately need to move beyond this toxic behaviour.

Brené Brown Resources

If you are wanting to learn more about vulnerability, shame, and empathy you can check out her books and online resources below.

If you are struggling with in your relationship check out our other articles on how to improve your relationship.  If you are in the Las Vegas area and are looking for Couples Counseling contact us today, or request an appoiment below. 

Tyler Rich LMFT
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