01 January 2024

Learning to Trust Again

Learning to Trust Again: Awareness, Research and Resources

Learning to Trust Again

In healthy development, trust evolves. How do we decide whether to trust? We share a feeling with someone and watch their reaction; if the response feels safe, if it is caring, noncritical, non-abusive, the first step of trust has developed. For trust to grow, this positive response must become part of a relatively reliable pattern… Trust develops with consistency over time.” ― E. Sue Blume

How to Trust

Learning to Trust Again Research

Learning to Trust Again
"Learning to trust again is a process that takes time and effort. Whether you've experienced betrayal, heartbreak, or any form of disappointment, rebuilding trust is a gradual journey. Here are some steps you can consider to help you learn to trust again:

Acknowledge Your Feelings:
  • Understand and accept your emotions. It's normal to feel hurt, angry, or scared after a breach of trust. Allow yourself to experience and express these emotions.

Give Yourself Time:
  • Healing is a process that takes time. Don't rush yourself. Give yourself the necessary time and space to process your feelings and gradually move forward.

Reflect on the Situation:
  • Understand the factors that led to the breach of trust. Reflect on the roles and actions of all parties involved, including yourself. This self-reflection can provide insights into what went wrong and how to avoid similar situations in the future.

Set Boundaries:
  • Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself. Clearly communicate your expectations and limits in relationships. Setting healthy boundaries can help prevent future breaches of trust.

Communicate Openly:
  • Open and honest communication is essential in rebuilding trust. Share your feelings, concerns, and expectations with others. Encourage them to express themselves as well.

Start Small:
  • Rebuilding trust doesn't have to happen all at once. Start with small steps and gradually increase the level of trust as you feel more comfortable. This could involve sharing more personal information, making small commitments, or being vulnerable in manageable ways.

Observe Consistent Behavior:
  • Trust is built on consistent behavior over time. Pay attention to the actions of the person or people you are learning to trust again. Consistency in their words and actions will contribute to rebuilding trust.

Forgive, but Don't Forget:
  • Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, but it's a crucial step in the healing process. Holding onto resentment can hinder your ability to trust again. Forgiving is for your own well-being, but it doesn't mean you have to immediately trust the person completely.

Seek Support:
  • Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences. Having a support system can provide different perspectives, insights, and emotional support as you navigate the process of rebuilding trust.

Learn from the Experience:
  • Use the experience as an opportunity for personal growth. Understand what you can learn from the situation and how you can become more resilient. This self-awareness can contribute to your ability to trust again.

Remember, rebuilding trust is a gradual and often challenging process. Be patient with yourself and others involved, and focus on creating a foundation of trust through consistent positive actions." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Begin with Trust The first step to becoming a Genuinely Empowering Leader Harvard Business Review

Charles Feltman on Trust: Building, Maintaining, and Restoring It Brené Brown

Effect of Relationship Experience on Trust Recovery following a Breach NIH

Effective Engagement Requires Trust and Being Trustworthy NIH

Employee Trust Repair: A Systematic Review of 20 years of Empirical Research and Future Research Directions ScienceDirect

Going Back to the Source: Why do People Trust Each Other? ResearchGate

Good Leadership? It All Starts With Trust. Harvard Business Publishing

How Can It Be Made Right Again? A Review of Trust Repair Research Sage Journals

How I’m Learning to Trust in my Ability to Trust Life og Wellness Institute

How to Build Trust in the Workplace: 10 effective solutions BetterUp

How to Trust Yourself: Building True Self-Confidence SoulSalt


How to Gain Someone’s Trust Back: Manageable Steps for Rebuilding Security and Stability in Relationships Thriveworks

How to Learn to Trust Others Spunout

How to Learn To Trust Again betterhelp

How To Trust People Again If You’ve Been Hurt LifeHack

Learning to Trust After an Abusive Relationship Psychology Today

Learning to Trust Again after Pain Seaglass Psychology

Learning to Trust in a New Relationship Relate

Restoring Trust in Research by Creating Lasting Relationships Medical University of South Carolina

Signs of Trust Issues & How to Get Over Them Choosing Therapy


Steps for Rebuilding Trust in the Workplace Study.com

The Journey of Learning to Trust Medium

The Psychology of Trust Issues and Ways to Overcome Them GoodTherapy

Trust in Relationships: A Study to Determine the Importance of Trust PDF Download Cara Cosentino Eastern Illinois University

Why You May Have Trust Issues and How to Overcome Them Verywell Mind

What is Trust? - Video


🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources

Mental Health and Motivation Popular Articles and Posts from the Last Month