Vulnerabilities, shame, and self-acceptance

Listen to the mp3

April 16, 2012 — We never really know the impact it has when we openly talk about uncomfortable feelings we have or our physical or mental challenges. And while we may fear and deem these things as shameful, they may be conduits for something else — like a path to healing or creativity, or a dialogue that validates, strengthens, and supports us. Dr. Dan Gottlieb explores our relationship with our vulnerabilities as we head toward self-acceptance. Dan’s guests are Brené Brown and Kristen Neff.

Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Brené spent the first five years of her decade-long study focusing on shame and empathy, and is now using that work to explore a concept that she calls “Wholeheartedness.”

Kristen Neff, Ph.D., is the author of “Self-Compassion” which comes out in paperback this summer. She is an associate professor in human development and culture at the University of Texas at Austin. She and her family were featured in the award-winning documentary and best selling book: “The Horse Boy.” Neff says the film is a journey with autism, horses, and healing.