Liat Ben-Zur, Director | Talkspace
In relationships, trust forms the cornerstone of a meaningful bond. When trust is breached, restoring it becomes crucial yet challenging. The process necessitates patience, transparency, and effort from both partners to rebuild a stronger foundation that emphasizes honesty, communication, and emotional security.
The journey to healing a relationship marred by broken trust hinges on partners' willingness to address the issue directly. Acknowledging and validating each other's feelings is vital. One partner may harbor anger or insecurity, while the other may grapple with guilt. Recognizing these emotions is a critical step toward regaining trust.
To effectively mend trust, it is essential to identify the root causes. Trust issues typically stem from deeper problems, such as infidelity or lack of communication. Acknowledging one's actions and their impact paves the way for reconciliation.
"One of the most important steps to healing a relationship with broken trust is the violator’s ability to apologize, show remorse, and patiently allow their partner to heal from the violation. This means the partner needs to own up to the infraction and work to regain trust and forgiveness," said Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW.
Clear communication is crucial as partners seek to regain trust. Open dialogue about emotions and needs, along with consistent behavior, reinforces safety and validation. Rebuilding trust is a gradual process, requiring partners to reliably demonstrate trustworthiness and maintain honesty.
Re-establishing emotional intimacy through vulnerability is another step in this process. Sharing experiences and engaging in mutual activities can foster partnership. Activities, from new hobbies to simple routines, enhance emotional intimacy and connection.
Sometimes, professional help may be necessary. Therapists provide guidance by helping partners navigate emotions and improve communication. Chapple noted that, "A counselor can help by interpreting and mediating the interactions so that the couple can stay focused on the issues and not allow emotions to take over. There’s still time and healing that needs to occur and boundaries that need to be set. It is a challenge, but it can be done."
Forgiveness plays a role in healing, requiring letting go of resentment and focusing on growth. Acknowledging both pain and efforts to rebuild trust supports the journey toward forgiveness.
Rebuilding trust demands ongoing dedication and effort. It's a slow process, instilling patience and open communication. While trust takes time to restore, assistance from professionals like Talkspace therapists can guide partners toward a more resilient relationship.