Building Trust: How to Cultivate Deeper, More Secure Relationships
[Photo Credit: Chris Abatzis]
Building Trust Isn’t All or Nothing
We often think of trust as something we either have or don’t. But in reality, trust is a process—like tending a garden. It grows over time through consistent, intentional actions: really listening, communicating honestly, showing up reliably, and sharing ourselves gradually. Trust doesn’t demand perfection; it asks for presence, empathy, and effort. Whether in friendships, partnerships, or therapy, every small act of trustworthiness is a seed that deepens connection and safety.
Joy as Resistance: Why We Need Joy in Burnout Recovery
[Photo credit: Chris Abatzis]
In the midst of burnout, it can feel like joy is the first thing to go—and the last thing we think we deserve. But joy isn’t a reward for healing; it’s part of the healing itself. In a world that constantly demands more, choosing joy becomes a radical act. It’s a way of saying, I am more than what I produce. I deserve to feel alive, even when the world is on fire.
This piece explores how joy not only sustains us in our burnout recovery, but actively resists the systems that benefit from our exhaustion. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, laughing with a friend, or finding softness in silence—joy is proof that hope is still here. And that’s worth holding onto.
Slowly Trusting: How to Build Trust in Therapy
[Photo credit: Marlen Stanlhuth]
Slowly Trusting: How to Build Trust in Therapy
Don’t tell your therapist anything—until you feel safe.
In a culture that celebrates “radical vulnerability,” here’s your permission to take it slow. Therapy isn't about dumping your story on someone with a clipboard. It's about building a relationship rooted in trust—and that takes time.
Why Trust in Therapy Matters
Therapy works best when there’s a real, human connection. Research backs it up: the relationship between therapist and client is the number one predictor of positive outcomes. Not credentials. Not methods. The connection.
Especially in queer-affirming therapy, trust is layered and complex. Feeling safe, seen, and not stereotyped makes all the difference. Every tiny moment—a therapist remembering your pronouns, or following up on something you said last week—becomes a deposit in the trust bank.
Building Trust, Not Performing Vulnerability
Think of it like hiking unfamiliar terrain. You don’t leap; you test the ground first. You "double-tap" the rock to make sure it’s steady. Therapy can be that way, too. Start with small disclosures. See how they’re received. Do you feel heard? Are your boundaries respected?
Online therapy (telehealth) can sometimes make this easier. It allows you to stay in a familiar environment while exploring emotional territory. And if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, searching for queer-affirming therapists online can be a crucial first step toward feeling safe.
Therapy Is a Journey, Not a Reveal
You don’t have to pour your heart out in session one. If your therapist is patient, warm, and consistent, you’ll start to feel that solid ground beneath you. And when you do? That’s when deeper healing begins.
So no, you don’t owe anyone your trauma on a first visit. Trust in therapy is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time getting there.