Written by Jody Cecil, Licensed Professional Counselor

Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship, whether it’s with a friend, family member, partner, or colleague. It’s the invisible thread that binds us together, allowing us to feel safe, understood, and valued. Trust does feel somewhat elusive, doesn’t it? We know it’s important, and we can sense it when there is a lack of trust, but how do we build it?

As a mental health counselor, I utilize multiple resources to support my clients. Brené Brown is one of my favorites. (If you’re new to Dr. Brown and her work, you can learn more here https://brenebrown.com.) Trust, as Brown describes, isn’t built all at once through grand gestures, but rather through the small, consistent actions that shape our daily interactions. One of my favorite metaphors she uses is a jar full of marbles. Over time, “marbles” are added to the jar when people in a relationship behave in ways that build trust. Of course, we’re all flawed humans who make poor choices who hurt others, and when we do, some of the “marbles” in the trust jar are dumped out. What I love most about the metaphor is the room for possibility. We have the potential to earn more trust in a relationship.

Created by Brown, the BRAVING framework breaks trust down into seven key elements: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault (confidentiality), Integrity, Nonjudgment, and Generosity.

     ~Boundaries: Respecting limits—our own and others’—is foundational

~Reliability: Following through, time after time

~Accountability: Owning mistakes and making amends

~Vault: Protecting what’s shared in confidence

~Integrity: Choosing what’s right over what’s easy

~Nonjudgment: Offering support without shame or criticism

~Generosity: Assuming the best of others’ intentions and words

Brown also emphasizes that trust and vulnerability are inseparable. Trust grows as we show up—honestly and bravely—even when there are no guarantees. In personal and professional relationships, trust is the glue that holds people together, encouraging openness and courage.

Ultimately, trust is a daily practice. It can be broken, but it can also be rebuilt through consistent, intentional effort. In Brené Brown’s view, building trust means choosing courage, empathy, and generosity—moment by moment—to create true connection and belonging. As you consider your relationships, where do you want to build more trust and add a few more marbles to the jar? Every small act matters.

In my practice as a mental health counselor, one of my primary goals is to build trust with my clients, and I realize that takes time. If you are interested in counseling, I invite you to contact me at Taking Root Counseling. Together, we’ll take the time we need to build trust and work together toward your goals.

About Jody:

As a licensed professional counselor, Jody sees clients both virtually and in person at the Flourish Center. She uses a variety of modalities to help her clients in reaching their goals including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Whatever modality is used, Jody values the uniqueness and strengths of each person and invites them to embrace healing wholistically.