Trust issues refer to persistent fear, suspicion, or doubt about others’ intentions or reliability—often rooted in past betrayal, trauma, or inconsistent relationships. They can affect intimacy, emotional safety, and the ability to form or maintain close bonds.
“Even when someone was kind, I waited for them to leave or lie. I couldn’t switch off the part of me that was on guard.”
Trust issues often develop after experiences of betrayal, neglect, abandonment, or emotional inconsistency—whether in childhood, past relationships, or work environments. For some, these issues show up as fear of vulnerability or difficulty relying on others. Others may become suspicious, controlling, avoidant, or emotionally shut down to protect themselves from future hurt.
People experiencing problems with trusting others may cycle through unstable relationships, test others’ loyalty, or withdraw before they can be rejected. Many experience anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing as a way to control perceived risk. Trust issues can also manifest within long-standing relationships, despite no recent breach of trust. Therapy can help identify where mistrust comes from and build safer, more secure ways of relating.
“Helping someone rebuild trust isn’t about convincing them the world is safe—it’s about helping them feel safe enough to begin trusting again.”
At Bloomfield Health, we offer sensitive, trauma-informed support for adults struggling with trust. Our clinicians begin with a thorough assessment of relationship history, attachment patterns, and current challenges. We use evidence-based therapies such as schema therapy, CBT, compassion-focused therapy, and interpersonal approaches (e.g., dynamic interpersonal therapy) to explore the roots of mistrust. Where helpful, we offer couple or family work to rebuild connection. Our goal is not to rush trust—but to help you feel safer, more self-assured, and less alone in navigating relationships
No, but they are a common feature of many emotional difficulties and can be treated with the right psychological support.
They often arise from past trauma, betrayal, inconsistent caregiving, or emotionally neglectful environments.
Yes. Building trust in therapy can be part of the healing process. We go at your pace, without pressure.
They can lead to conflict, miscommunication, distance, or repeated patterns of instability.
Absolutely. Early relationships play a fundamental role in shaping how safe or unsafe we feel in future adult relationships.
Yes. We can provide both individual and couple sessions to work through betrayal, fear, and repair.
Not necessarily. With support, people often develop more secure, balanced ways of relating.
That’s okay. Therapy offers a place to explore this safely, without expectation—trust can be rebuilt, one step at a time.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
