The Addicted Mind Podcast

TAM+ Episode 41: The Courage to Be Seen: How Vulnerability Transforms Recovery


Listen Later

Ever wonder why showing your true self feels so terrifying, yet could be the very key to your healing? In this powerful episode, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore how embracing vulnerability, despite its discomfort, can become your greatest strength in recovery. Drawing from both research and real-world experience, they break down why many of us hide behind masks and how this actually hinders our healing journey.

The hosts share practical strategies for safely opening up to others and building authentic connections, backed by insights from Dr. Brené Brown's groundbreaking research on shame and vulnerability. Whether you're struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges, this episode offers a roadmap for transforming vulnerability from a perceived weakness into a powerful tool for recovery and personal growth.


Download: Vulnerability Transforms Recovery Worksheet.

Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need.

Our Deep Dive is now in the community, where we discuss this episode in depth.

Key Topics
  • The connection between vulnerability and authentic healing
  • Why we resist being vulnerable and its impact on recovery
  • Research evidence supporting vulnerability in recovery
  • The myth of "fixing yourself" before seeking help
  • Five practical steps to practice healthy vulnerability
  • Finding safe spaces and people for sharing
  • Managing intimacy backlash and self-compassion

  • Timestamps

    [00:01:16] Understanding masks and hiding in recovery

    [00:03:45] The role of shame in avoiding vulnerability

    [00:07:09] Research insights on vulnerability as strength 

    [00:11:42] Five practical steps to develop vulnerability

    [00:13:43] The importance of self-compassion

    [00:15:18] Managing intimacy backlash

    [00:16:31] Resources and community support


    Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center

    NovusMindfulLife.com

    We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

    Disclaimer

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    The Addicted Mind PodcastBy Duane Osterlind, LMFT

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    589 ratings


    More shows like The Addicted Mind Podcast

    View all
    The One You Feed by iHeartPodcasts

    The One You Feed

    2,511 Listeners

    That Sober Guy Podcast by Shane Ramer, The Radcast Network

    That Sober Guy Podcast

    479 Listeners

    Recovery Elevator by Paul Churchill

    Recovery Elevator

    1,699 Listeners

    Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA by AA Podcast

    Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA

    2,099 Listeners

    This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

    This Naked Mind Podcast

    2,570 Listeners

    Addiction Unlimited Podcast by Angela Pugh

    Addiction Unlimited Podcast

    494 Listeners

    Soberful by Veronica Valli & Chip Somers

    Soberful

    484 Listeners

    The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women by Casey McGuire Davidson

    The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women

    687 Listeners

    Alcohol-Free Lifestyle by James Swanwick

    Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

    220 Listeners

    Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober by Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC

    Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober

    1,182 Listeners

    How I quit alcohol by Danni Carr

    How I quit alcohol

    185 Listeners

    2 Sober Girls Podcast by Erinn + Michaela

    2 Sober Girls Podcast

    188 Listeners

    Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories by Brad McLeod

    Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

    527 Listeners

    Happiest Sober Podcast by Madeline Forrest

    Happiest Sober Podcast

    190 Listeners

    It's Not About the Alcohol by Colleen Kachmann

    It's Not About the Alcohol

    109 Listeners