Building Trust in Yourself and Others: Gentle Foundations for CPTSD Healing

In this episode, we gently explore what it means to rebuild trust after complex trauma—starting with yourself, and extending to the people around you. With warmth, honesty, and practical tools, Gregory shares how trust is not a one-time leap but a series of small, everyday actions. From keeping tiny promises to yourself to learning how to test and honor boundaries with others, we dig into the fears, hopes, and setbacks that make trust such a challenging but essential part of recovery. Listener stories bring these ideas to life, and research-backed strategies help you move at your own pace. Whether you’re learning to trust your own gut again or considering how to open up to someone new, this episode is your companion for the messy, beautiful journey of learning to trust after CPTSD.

Key Takeaways
• Trust is built through small, consistent acts, not grand gestures
• Self-trust means honoring your needs, limits, and feelings
• Trusting others requires gentle risk and discernment, not blind faith
• Boundaries are the scaffolding for healthy trust
• Compassion and patience with setbacks make trust sustainable

What You’ll Discover
• Why CPTSD makes trust so hard—and why that’s not your fault
• How to rebuild trust with yourself through daily micro-promises
• Ways to test trust in relationships safely and gradually
• Tools to handle setbacks without shaming yourself
• Next steps for creating safe spaces at home for trauma recovery

Resources Mentioned
• “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
• “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” by Pete Walker
• Journal of Traumatic Stress – research on trust and trauma recovery
• Insight Timer (app) for guided mindfulness and grounding

Next Episode Preview
In our next episode, we’ll explore how to create a safe, healing space at home—practical strategies for comfort, calm, and trauma recovery.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.

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