It's hard to explain, but I differentiate between being vulnerable (ie trusting someone, talking openly about difficult subject), and appearing vulnerable (ie letting my symptoms show, letting emotions show). Since I began to totally trust my Pdoc I can 'be' vulnerable with him, but 'apppearing' vulnerable is something I'm still working on. Some sessions I can go in and really show as well as say what I'm feeling, other times I go in wearing my 'it's all okay' mask, even if I might be describing quite distressing symptoms. Thankfully he knows that, and doesn't discount my symptoms just because I'm being so detached and matter of fact about them.