Trust is the foundation of any strong marriage, but it can be fragile. Once broken, it takes intentional effort to repair. Have you ever gone to marriage counseling, only to feel like emotions were too high to make progress? That’s why West Houston Counseling Center is offering a 4-hour workshop on April 4th to help couples learn how to rebuild trust using proven Gottman techniques—in a structured, low-stress environment.
In this post, a couples therapist will explore five common ways trust is broken in a marriage and five evidence-based ways to rebuild it.
5 Ways Trust Can Be Broken in a Marriage
Lies and Deception
- Even small lies can erode trust. When honesty is compromised, doubt seeps in, making it harder for a partner to believe future promises.
Emotional or Physical Infidelity
- Affairs—whether emotional or physical—are among the most damaging breaches of trust. Betrayal leads to deep emotional wounds and a loss of security in the relationship.
Broken Promises
- Failing to follow through on commitments, big or small, can create an ongoing pattern of disappointment and mistrust.
Lack of Emotional Availability
- When one partner consistently dismisses the other’s feelings or is emotionally distant, it can create an environment where trust fades.
Financial Secrecy
- Hiding spending habits, debts, or financial decisions can make a partner feel betrayed and excluded from key aspects of the marriage.
5 Ways to Rebuild Trust (Using Gottman-Based Techniques)
Rebuilding trust doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools, couples can restore their bond. Here are five Gottman-based strategies to help:
Turn Toward Each Other, Not Away
- Small, everyday moments build trust. Be responsive to your partner’s bids for connection—whether it’s engaging in conversation, offering comfort, or showing appreciation.
Increase Transparency
- Honesty is key to regaining trust. Share thoughts, feelings, and decisions openly. If something feels uncomfortable, discuss it instead of hiding it.
Practice Attunement and Emotional Presence
- Attunement means fully listening and validating your partner’s emotions without defensiveness. Instead of reacting, acknowledge their pain and express understanding.
Commit to Trust-Building Rituals
- Set routines that reinforce reliability, like daily check-ins, scheduled quality time, and openly sharing future plans. Small, consistent actions rebuild broken trust.
Engage in a Trust-Building Dialogue
- This structured Gottman exercise allows couples to address past betrayals with compassion and accountability, helping partners move forward together.
Join Our Trust-Building Workshop in Katy, TX
Have you ever been to couples therapy but felt too overwhelmed to make real progress? When emotions run high, it’s hard to work through issues constructively. That’s why we designed a classroom-style Gottman workshop where couples can learn skills in a structured setting—without triggering emotional spirals.
What You’ll Get:
- Expert-led Gottman techniques for rebuilding trust
- Breakout sessions to apply what you’ve learned in a calm, guided way
- A safe, non-judgmental space to discuss challenges and solutions
- Practical exercises to bring home and implement immediately
Location: West Houston Counseling Center
Date: April 4, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (includes a lunch break)
Presented by: Paula Rao, MA, LPC, NCC—Level 3 Gottman Therapist
Register Now! Contact us at admin@westhoustoncounseling.com or call 281-940-8515 to reserve your spot. Space is limited!
Invest in your marriage today—before a crisis happens.
Start Your Journey Toward Rebuilding Trust Today
Trust can be broken in many ways, but it can also be rebuilt with intention and the right tools. Whether your relationship has been impacted by infidelity, dishonesty, or emotional disconnection, healing is possible. At West Houston Counseling Center, we offer couples therapy in Katy, TX, and specialized marriage workshops designed to help partners reconnect and restore trust in a supportive environment. If you and your partner are ready to take the next step toward healing, we’re here to help.
- Reach out to us here.
- Explore our therapists here at WHCC.
- Rebuilding trust starts with one decision—let’s begin the journey together.
Additional Counseling Services in Katy, TX & Surrounding Areas
At WHCC, we provide more than just couples counseling and workshops. Our services support individuals, couples, and families at every stage of life. We offer adult therapy to promote personal growth, mental well-being, and resilience. Teen therapy helps adolescents develop healthy coping strategies for life’s challenges. Our child behavioral therapy supports parents and children in managing emotional and behavioral concerns. We also provide trauma therapy to support healing from past experiences and LENS neurofeedback, an innovative approach for managing anxiety, ADHD, and other conditions.