The restoration of trust after trauma is a critical aspect of healing for individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as abuse, assault, accidents, natural disasters, warfare, or other tragedies. Trauma can damage an individual's sense of safety, security, and self-worth, leading to feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and isolation. Disclosing one's trauma story to a supportive and trustworthy person can be a powerful way to rebuild trust within oneself and with others.
Sharing one's trauma story requires vulnerability, courage, and skillful communication. In this article, we will explore how trauma disclosure can restore trust by examining the psychological mechanisms that are activated during the process of sharing one's trauma story.
Restoring Trust through Empathic Listening
Empathic listening is a fundamental component of effective trauma disclosure. When an individual shares their trauma story, they need to feel heard, validated, and understood by the listener. This means actively listening without judgment, criticism, advice-giving, or interruption. By practicing empathic listening, the listener creates a safe space for the trauma survivor to express themselves fully and authentically. The act of being truly heard allows the trauma survivor to feel seen, supported, and connected, which helps to reduce feelings of loneliness, alienation, and disconnection.
Restoring Trust Through Validation
Validation refers to the act of acknowledging and accepting another person's experience, even if it differs from our own. During trauma disclosure, validation involves affirming the trauma survivor's emotions, thoughts, and perceptions. This helps to build trust because it shows that the listener values and respects the trauma survivor as a human being with unique needs, experiences, and perspectives. Validating responses include phrases like "I understand," "That must have been hard," "I'm sorry you had to go through that," and "It makes sense why you felt that way." Validation also involves normalizing the trauma survivor's feelings and recognizing that they are not alone in experiencing them.
Restoring Trust Through Perspective-Taking
Perspective-taking involves putting oneself in another person's shoes and trying to see things from their point of view. In the context of trauma disclosure, perspective-taking can help the listener better understand the trauma survivor's experience and reactions. This can create a deeper connection between the listener and the trauma survivor because it demonstrates empathy, compassion, and understanding. By taking on the role of the trauma survivor, the listener can gain insight into the complexities of their situation and offer more nuanced support.
Restoring Trust Through Mirroring
Mirroring is a nonverbal communication technique that involves reflecting back to the speaker what they have said without adding any interpretation or judgement. Mirroring helps to validate the trauma survivor's experience by acknowledging and honoring their words and emotions. It shows that the listener has actively listened and received the information without imposing their own assumptions or biases. Mirroring involves paraphrasing, summarizing, and repeating back key points made during the conversation. By using mirroring techniques, listeners demonstrate active engagement with the story and show genuine interest in understanding it fully.
Restoring Trust Through Emotional Attunement
Emotional attunement refers to the ability to tune into and respond appropriately to someone else's feelings. During trauma disclosure, emotional attunement allows the listener to accurately recognize and resonate with the trauma survivor's emotions. This creates a sense of safety and trust because it conveys that the listener truly cares about the trauma survivor's well-being. Effective emotional attunement requires being aware of one's own emotions and remaining present in the moment, allowing the trauma survivor to feel seen and heard.
The process of trauma disclosure is an important step in restoring trust after a traumatic event. Empathic listening, validation, perspective-taking, mirroring, and emotional attunement are all essential components of effective trauma disclosure. These skills help create a safe and supportive space for the trauma survivor to share their story, express themselves fully, and build trust within themselves and with others.
Trauma disclosure can be a powerful healing tool that promotes growth, resilience, and connection.
How does trauma disclosure restore trust?
Trauma disclosure restores trust by creating an environment of open communication wherein individuals can share their experiences with others. This helps in breaking down barriers and fosters empathy among the community members. Moreover, it allows them to come out of the isolation they were facing due to fear of being judged or ostracized. Through sharing personal experiences, victims feel understood and supported which helps in building trust.