10 Tools for Relearning to Trust People

Whether from childhood or adult relationships, the devastating effects of betrayal are the same: we develop a seeming lack of ability to trust both ourselves and others. How often have we asked ourselves if we are even capable of loving someone wholly? Or disbelieved when someone has told us they love us?

Often CSA survivors struggle with both the ability to feel capable of giving love to others and also of being able to accept love from others. We are more likely to disbelieve declarations of love, doubt ourselves and may even find it difficult to accept simple compliments.

But to truly thrive, we must find a way to overcome our disbelief, distrust and cynicism.

Melissa Ricker says in her article “How To Trust Again: Learning To Let Someone In Despite Past Hurt”:

“Everyone has experienced pain and hurt at some point in their lives. We have all felt like our trust has been compromised, and we wonder if we will ever be able to trust again. Those experiences can be very painful, and the feelings are completely normal.

We are scared to trust again for fear of future pain. It makes sense. Betrayal by a loved one brings on some of the most powerful pain imaginable. However, trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, and you cannot just skip over it. The good news is that you can trust again.”

Click here to read the full article and learn 10 practical steps for regaining the ability to trust after past hurt.

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