Welcome to this week's Helps Counselling article of the week discussion! Each week, we explore important topics related to personal growth, mental health, and emotional well-being. This week, we're focusing on trust—one of the most essential elements in both personal and professional relationships.
Trust is one of the most crucial factors in any relationship, whether personal or professional. Without it, relationships break down, teams fail, and personal growth is stunted. A recent article from CNBC highlighted insights from a Harvard career expert, stating that untrustworthiness is the worst trait an employee can have in the workplace. This observation doesn’t just apply to careers—it speaks to the fundamental role trust plays in our lives.
The elements of trust shape how we connect with others, build relationships, and navigate the world. In this post, we will explore why trust is essential, how untrustworthiness can impact mental health, and how counseling can help individuals develop and restore trust in their lives.
The Elements of Trust: Understanding the Building Blocks
Before diving into the effects of untrustworthiness, it’s essential to understand what trust really means. Trust is not just about believing that someone will do what they say—it is a multi-layered concept that includes:
1. Reliability
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Can you count on someone to follow through on their commitments?
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A lack of reliability in professional and personal relationships erodes trust over time.
2. Honesty
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Are people truthful in their words and actions?
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Deception, even in small ways, can lead to major trust issues.
3. Transparency
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Do people communicate openly and clearly?
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Misunderstandings and secrecy can breed suspicion and weaken trust.
4. Consistency
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Does a person’s behavior align with their words over time?
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Inconsistent actions make it difficult to feel secure in a relationship.
5. Integrity
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Do people make ethical choices, even when no one is watching?
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A strong moral compass fosters a deep sense of trust.
6. Vulnerability & Emotional Safety
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Do you feel safe opening up to someone without fear of judgment or betrayal?
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Emotional safety is a critical factor in trust-building, especially in personal relationships.
These elements of trust apply in all aspects of life, from friendships to romantic relationships, from leadership roles to everyday interactions. When one or more of these components are missing, trust erodes—and this can have serious consequences for mental well-being.
The Cost of Untrustworthiness: Mental and Emotional Impacts
The CNBC article featuring the Harvard career expert highlights how untrustworthiness is the single worst trait an employee can have. This idea extends far beyond the workplace—untrustworthiness damages relationships, breaks bonds, and creates anxiety in various aspects of life.
Here’s how a lack of trust can impact mental health and overall well-being:
1. Increased Stress and Anxiety
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Constantly second-guessing whether you can trust someone takes an emotional toll.
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In professional settings, working with untrustworthy colleagues creates stress and frustration.
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In personal relationships, uncertainty can lead to relationship anxiety and emotional distress.
2. Lower Self-Esteem
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Being betrayed or let down repeatedly can lead to self-doubt.
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Many people internalize these experiences, questioning if they are worthy of trust themselves.
3. Difficulty Forming New Relationships
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Past experiences with untrustworthiness can make people hesitant to trust again.
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Some individuals develop trust issues, making it hard to establish new friendships or partnerships.
4. Career and Personal Growth Challenges
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In the workplace, being seen as untrustworthy can limit professional opportunities.
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In personal life, a reputation for dishonesty or unreliability can damage social circles and personal development.
5. Emotional and Physical Health Consequences
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Chronic stress from trust issues can lead to physical health problems, including high blood pressure and weakened immune function.
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Emotional distress from trust betrayals can contribute to depression, social withdrawal, and difficulty regulating emotions.
The emotional burden of dealing with trust issues—whether as the betrayed or the betrayer—can be heavy. This is where counseling and therapy play a vital role.
How Counseling Helps Rebuild the Elements of Trust
For individuals struggling with trust—whether due to past betrayals or personal challenges—counseling offers a path toward healing.
1. Self-Reflection and Accountability
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Therapy helps individuals understand how their actions impact others and whether they exhibit untrustworthy behaviors.
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A therapist can help clients recognize patterns that may be causing trust breakdowns in their lives.
2. Healing from Past Betrayals
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If someone has been hurt by an untrustworthy person, therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences.
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Through guided conversations, clients can work through feelings of anger, resentment, or fear related to trust issues.
3. Learning to Trust Again
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For those who have been betrayed, learning to trust again can feel overwhelming.
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Therapists use techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals regain confidence in others and build healthy boundaries.
4. Improving Communication and Transparency
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Many trust issues stem from miscommunication.
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Therapy can help individuals develop clear communication skills to foster openness and honesty.
5. Strengthening Emotional Safety in Relationships
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Building a foundation of emotional safety is crucial for trust.
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Couples counseling, family therapy, or individual sessions can help create environments where people feel secure and valued.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Trust in Everyday Life
Whether you are looking to rebuild trust or develop more trustworthy habits, here are some actionable steps to incorporate the elements of trust into your daily life:
Keep Your Promises – Follow through on commitments, no matter how small.
Be Honest, Even When It’s Hard – Transparency fosters deeper connections.
Communicate Openly – Express thoughts and concerns before misunderstandings arise.
Admit When You’re Wrong – Owning up to mistakes builds credibility and trust.
Listen Actively – Show others that you value their thoughts and feelings.
Be Consistent – Reliability over time reinforces trustworthiness.
Set and Respect Boundaries – A clear understanding of limits prevents trust violations.
Final Thoughts: Trust as the Foundation for a Fulfilling Life
The CNBC article on untrustworthiness highlights how damaging a lack of trust can be, especially in professional settings. However, the lesson extends beyond careers—trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships.
By understanding the elements of trust and recognizing how trust issues affect mental well-being, individuals can take steps toward building stronger, healthier connections in both personal and professional life.
Counseling provides valuable tools for restoring trust, healing from betrayal, and developing the self-awareness needed to be a trustworthy person. Whether in friendships, family, romance, or work, trust is the glue that holds relationships together.
If you struggle with trust issues—whether trusting others or feeling untrusted—seeking professional guidance can help you regain confidence and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Are You Struggling with Trust Issues? Let’s Talk.
If trust challenges are affecting your life, our professional counselors are here to help. Book a session today to start rebuilding trust and creating healthier relationships.
