For survivors, trust isn’t just given. It has to be rebuilt piece by piece over time.
Dear Colleague,
Helping survivors rebuild trust after abuse is one of the most delicate parts of relationship recovery.
There are many things that influence the survivor’s ability to relearn trust. Trusting oneself after being challenged year after year, day after day is difficult. Survivors look to us to validate their experience and to tell them that they are not crazy. In reality they need to find this for themselves. Challenging this thinking can take time and patience.
Survivors often carry deep wounds from gaslighting, betrayal, and emotional manipulation, making vulnerability feel unsafe. And leaving the survivor challenging their own reality.
Creating emotional safety starts with consistent, empathetic presence, honoring survivors’ boundaries without rushing their healing journey. Allow the survivor to set the pace for their own process and healing.
Trust isn’t about convincing — it’s about providing survivors the space and support to choose trust again on their own terms. When survivors make the connections themselves it is a more powerful process with deeper, real change.
When we prioritize emotional safety and empowerment, survivors can learn that healthy connection is possible — and they are worthy of it. We are also honoring their autonomy.
👉 Resource to Support Your Practice: Reclaiming Strength Workbook. This workbook helps survivors in a step by step way, providing education and activities for their healing journey.
With appreciation for all you do,
Catrina LPCS
P.S. The work you do is important. Taking care of yourself is crucial for you and your client. Consider joining our free monthly peer support group. We meet via zoom the second Monday (7pm central time) of each month. Sign up here: www.catrinalpcs.com/providers
#trustafterabuse #relationshiprecovery #emotionalsafety #survivor #healingjourney #traumarecovery