Learning to Trust Again After a Toxic Relationship

Join us as we explore the challenging yet crucial journey of learning to trust again after toxic relationships, with insights from Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, founder of Communicate and Connect Counseling. In our conversation, Dr. Polinsky shares her expertise on the prevalence of betrayal, from infidelity and intimate partner violence to emotional abuse. Discover the nuances between situational couple violence and intimate terrorism, and learn about the pursue-withdraw dynamic, a common pattern in relationships. We also discuss how emotionally focused couple therapy can serve as a powerful tool for healing and improving relationships after betrayal.

As we navigate the complexities of rebuilding trust, particularly in high-conflict and extreme domestic violence situations, the importance of individual healing becomes apparent. Dr. Polinsky introduces techniques like cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure to address the traumatic impacts of betrayal. Gain valuable insights on assessing trust in new relationships by evaluating aspects such as emotional support and safety, helping you gradually rebuild confidence in others. Remember, rebuilding trust takes time and involves observing a person's reliability across various interactions. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on overcoming betrayal and forging healthier connections.