5 Ways to Build Trust

Trust is the heartbeat of healthy relationships. It allows us to feel safe, connected, and supported. Yet for many of us, trust can feel fragile, especially if we’ve been hurt in the past. The good news is that trust isn’t something that either exists or doesn’t; it’s something that can be built and nurtured over time.

Here are five gentle ways to begin building trust in your relationships:

1. Listen

Trust grows when people feel heard. Listening goes beyond simply hearing words—it means paying attention with empathy, presence, and an open heart. When we truly listen, we show others that their feelings and experiences matter. This kind of listening creates a foundation of safety and respect.

2. Start Small

Trust doesn’t have to begin with big leaps. It often starts with the smallest gestures—keeping a promise, showing up when you say you will, or allowing yourself to be vulnerable in little ways. These small steps build consistency, which over time deepens trust in powerful ways.

3. Communicate Your Concerns

It can feel scary to speak up when something doesn’t sit right, but voicing your concerns is an important part of building trust. Honest communication, done with kindness, shows that you care about the relationship and want it to grow in healthy ways. It also helps prevent misunderstandings before they turn into hurt.

4. Don’t Assume

Assumptions can create unnecessary distance. Instead of guessing what someone else is thinking or feeling, ask with curiosity. Clarifying rather than assuming opens the door to honesty and avoids confusion. This not only strengthens trust but also encourages openness on both sides.

5. Set and Respect Boundaries

Boundaries are not barriers—they are expressions of respect, both for yourself and for others. When you set clear boundaries, you are honouring your needs and values. When you respect someone else’s boundaries, you show that their comfort matters too. Trust grows when both sides feel safe and understood.

At Empowered to Thrive Counselling, we believe trust begins with you trusting your voice, your needs, and your journey. And from there, it can ripple outward into the relationships that matter most.