As a licensed therapist, I have seen firsthand the impact that trust issues can have on an individual’s life. Trust issues can stem from a variety of sources, including past traumas, relationship betrayals, or simply a lack of trust in oneself. These trust issues can manifest in a range of symptoms, from anxiety and depression to difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
Fortunately, therapy can be a highly effective tool for addressing trust issues. And with the rise of online therapy, individuals can now access this support from the comfort of their own homes.
What is therapy for trust issues?
Therapy for trust issues is a form of counseling that focuses on building trust and overcoming trust-related challenges. It typically involves working with a licensed therapist who has experience in helping clients address trust issues.
During therapy sessions, the therapist may use a variety of techniques to help clients identify the underlying causes of their trust issues. This might involve exploring past experiences, examining current relationship patterns, or working on building self-confidence and self-esteem.
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Common trust issues that come up in therapy
Trust issues can manifest in a variety of ways, and each client’s experience will be unique. However, there are a few common trust issues that tend to come up in therapy:
- Trust in oneself: Clients who struggle with trust issues may have difficulty trusting their own judgment and decision-making abilities. They may second-guess themselves or feel unsure of their choices, even in situations where they have expertise or experience.
- Trust in others: Clients may also struggle with trusting others, particularly in close relationships. This might stem from past experiences of betrayal or abandonment, or simply from a general sense of mistrust.
- Trust in the world: Some clients may struggle with a broader sense of trust in the world around them. They may feel unsafe or vulnerable in certain situations, or have difficulty trusting institutions or societal norms.
How online therapy can help with trust issues
Online therapy can be a highly effective tool for addressing trust issues. Here are a few ways that online therapy can help:
- Increased accessibility: Online therapy allows individuals to access support from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who live in remote or underserved areas, or who have difficulty accessing in-person therapy due to transportation or mobility issues.
- Greater flexibility: Online therapy sessions can often be scheduled outside of traditional business hours, making it easier for individuals to fit therapy into their busy schedules. This flexibility can be particularly helpful for individuals who work long hours or have caregiving responsibilities.
- Reduced barriers to entry: For some individuals, the idea of attending in-person therapy can be intimidating or overwhelming. Online therapy can be a lower-pressure option, allowing individuals to ease into therapy in a way that feels more comfortable for them.
- Greater anonymity: Online therapy can also offer a greater sense of anonymity and privacy, which can be particularly important for individuals who are hesitant to discuss their trust issues with others.
Techniques used in online therapy for trust issues
The specific techniques used in online therapy for trust issues will vary depending on the individual client’s needs and goals. However, here are a few common techniques that therapists may use:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. In the case of trust issues, this might involve identifying and challenging beliefs like “I can’t trust anyone” or “I’m always going to be let down.” By working to reframe these beliefs, clients can begin to build more positive, trust-based patterns of thinking.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that focuses on addressing past traumas. For clients who are struggling with trust issues related to past experiences of betrayal or abuse, EMDR can be a highly effective tool for working through these issues. During EMDR sessions, clients will typically be asked to recall past traumatic events while engaging in specific eye movements or other sensory experiences. This process can help clients process and release emotions related to the trauma, ultimately leading to greater healing and trust-building.
- Mindfulness-based techniques: Mindfulness is a practice that involves intentionally bringing one’s attention to the present moment. For clients who struggle with trust issues, mindfulness-based techniques can be helpful in building self-awareness and self-regulation. By learning to stay present in the moment, clients can begin to build trust in their own ability to manage difficult emotions and experiences.
- Attachment-based therapy: Attachment theory suggests that our early relationships with caregivers shape our ability to form healthy relationships as adults. For clients who are struggling with trust issues related to attachment, attachment-based therapy can be helpful in identifying and addressing underlying attachment patterns. By working to heal early attachment wounds, clients can begin to build more positive, trusting relationships in the present.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for trust issues?
Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health issues, including trust issues. A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online therapy was just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression and anxiety.
Of course, like any form of therapy, the effectiveness of online therapy will depend on a variety of factors, including the client’s willingness to engage in the therapeutic process and the therapist’s ability to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
Ultimately, the most important factor in determining the effectiveness of therapy for trust issues is the client’s commitment to the therapeutic process. Trust issues can be deeply ingrained and difficult to overcome, but with the help of a skilled therapist and a willingness to engage in the process of healing, it is possible to build greater trust and resilience.
Trust issues can be a significant challenge, impacting every area of an individual’s life. However, with the help of therapy, it is possible to build greater trust and resilience, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Online therapy can be a highly effective tool for addressing trust issues, offering increased accessibility, flexibility, and privacy. Whether you choose to pursue in-person therapy or online therapy, the most important thing is to find a therapist who you feel comfortable working with and who has experience in helping clients address trust-related challenges.
Remember, healing takes time, but with the right support and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic process, it is possible to build greater trust and resilience.
Lindsey Ferris, MS, LMFTA
Looking for a therapist near me and live in Seattle, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington State? We’ve got you covered!