Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd

Dealing with Broken Promises Counselling Singapore

Every promise kept begins with healing within.

Rebuilding Trust in the Wake of Addiction

Introduction: When Addiction Breaks More Than Habits

Addiction doesn’t only damage health—it damages trust, relationships, and self-worth. At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we understand that one of the most painful consequences of addiction is the trail of broken promises it leaves behind.

From pledges to quit using, to commitments made to loved ones, and dreams left unfulfilled—addiction causes individuals to make and break promises they genuinely intended to keep. These repeated disappointments fuel guilt, resentment, and relationship breakdowns, making it harder for recovery to begin. Our therapy services offer a space for clients and their families to understand this pattern, break the cycle, and begin the process of rebuilding trust.

Understanding the Cycle of Broken Promises in Addiction

At the heart of many addictive patterns lies the devastating loop of intentions followed by failure. Whether someone promises to stay sober after a relapse, to show up for a family event, or to stop certain behaviours—these commitments are often sincere in the moment. Yet, addiction alters the brain’s reward system and impulse control, overriding willpower with compulsion.

Over time, these broken promises:

  • Undermine personal credibility

  • Cause emotional damage in relationships

  • Deepen feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation

  • Lead to distrust and emotional withdrawal from loved ones

This cycle perpetuates addiction, as individuals may use substances or unhealthy behaviours to cope with the very guilt and rejection their addiction creates.

How Addiction Affects Trust and Relationships

The emotional fallout of broken promises can be profound—especially for spouses, partners, children, and close family members. Loved ones may experience:

  • Chronic disappointment, having hoped for change that never came

  • Anger or emotional withdrawal, as a protective mechanism

  • Feelings of betrayal, when promises are repeatedly broken

  • Loss of emotional safety, especially in the case of financial or behavioural addiction

  • Emotional neglect, particularly for children in the household

For the person struggling with addiction, these strained relationships add another layer of emotional distress, leading to more withdrawal or relapse behaviour.

That’s why rebuilding trust in addiction recovery requires more than apologies—it requires consistent, intentional actionover time.

Breaking the Pattern: From Guilt to Accountability

The good news is: recovery is not just about abstaining from a substance—it’s about restoring integrity, responsibility, and trust.

With the help of professional therapy and structured support, individuals can begin to:

  • Acknowledge the pain their actions have caused

  • Take ownership without defensiveness or blame

  • Develop emotional awareness and communication skills

  • Understand how compulsions override decision-making

  • Learn new coping strategies for emotional triggers

  • Commit to a step-by-step recovery process grounded in honesty

At Listening Ear, we guide clients through this delicate process of personal reflection, amends, and behavioural change—building a sustainable path forward.

The Role of Therapy and Support Systems in Rebuilding Trust

In therapy, we help clients:

  • Process their guilt and shame in a safe, non-judgmental space

  • Understand the emotional needs of loved ones

  • Navigate emotionally charged conversations with family

  • Build emotional resilience and self-trust

  • Set realistic goals for personal growth and relational repair

Loved ones are encouraged to:

  • Participate in couples or family therapy to express their needs

  • Learn about addiction as a disease, not a moral failing

  • Develop boundaries that protect both parties’ well-being

  • Rebuild emotional safety and shared goals over time

From Broken Promises to Renewed Purpose

Every fulfilled commitment in recovery—no matter how small—is a victory. It could be:

  • Attending therapy every week

  • Rebuilding financial honesty

  • Being present and emotionally available

  • Following through on work or family obligations

  • Apologising and making amends for past harm

These actions slowly but steadily turn the tide—from broken promises to trustworthy behaviour and renewed connection.

Through counselling, individuals not only learn to manage their addiction but also to rediscover a sense of purpose, integrity, and belonging.

Cultivating Resilience and Long-Term Change

Resilience is essential in the healing process. Many clients worry that they’ve already let down their loved ones too many times. But with the right support, relapse can become a learning experience—not a failure.

We help clients:

  • Recognise relapse triggers

  • Rebuild after setbacks

  • Maintain emotional regulation in high-stress situations

  • Celebrate progress without pressure for perfection

  • Embrace personal growth and identity beyond addiction

Long-term recovery is about making and keeping small promises—to yourself, your body, your relationships, and your future.

Finding Hope in Recovery

Even after a long history of broken promises, healing is possible. With therapy, dedication, and a willingness to change, individuals can shift from hurting their relationships to healing them.

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we walk alongside you as you:

  • Take accountability for past actions

  • Learn how to repair fractured relationships

  • Rebuild trust, both within and with others

  • Cultivate resilience for a sustained recovery

  • Restore your sense of self-worth and identity

Our Counselling Fees

Session TypeInvestmentAdditional ChargesCancellation Policy
In-Person SessionsSGD 250

SGD 50 after-hours surcharge

-Transportation fees for out-of-office sessions or different venues

Reschedule or cancel with 36+ hours’ notice.
Late changes or no-shows incur full session investment.
Virtual Sessions (Zoom)

SGD 200 (PayNow)

SGD 250 (Other Methods)

SGD 50 after-hours surchargeSame as above.

What Clients say about our Counselling in Singapore

Professionally Trained, Trauma-Informed & Culturally Attuned

Evidence-Based & Grounded in Real Life

Culturally Sensitive & Globally Informed

Respectful of Complex, Delicate Issues

Neutral, Non-Judgemental & Confidential Space

Final Thoughts: A Promise to Yourself

Recovery is not just about abstaining—it’s about becoming someone who is dependable, connected, and whole again.

Whether you’ve broken promises or been on the receiving end, we’re here to help you move forward. Together, we can turn brokenness into breakthroughs—and create a future grounded in trust, care, and courage.

📞 Reach out to Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy today to begin your healing journey.
Your next promise can be the one you keep.

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