“In The Courage to Trust, Cynthia Wall helps us to discover the genuine source of much of our pain and the pain in our relationships and offers us simple, powerful ways to begin to heal it. This wise and beautifully written book is a blessing for every friend, every parent, every lover, and every human being.”
THE courage to trust: a guide to building deep and lasting relationships
Have earlier betrayals kept you from trusting wisely today? Trust is a factor in every social or business interaction. Even misunderstandings feel like betrayal. Take heart! You can learn to address betrayals without conflict. This is the promise of The Courage to Trust.
We can’t learn to trust in innocence and dependency of childhood. We can only learn how and when to trust as we grow. The lessons and stories uncover the mystery underlying upsetting interactions that can occur in any relationship. Gentle guidance uncovers what is holding you back from being compassionately honest with yourself as well as with others. You'll find stories, exercises and suggestions to help you overcome old barriers to building trust and intimacy.
You can listen to a sample of the Audible version on Amazon.
“Happiness happens when what you think, say, and do are in harmony. ”
Voice
Alongside my writing, I’ve had the opportunity to speak more personally about mortality and the shape of a life. The recordings gathered here, including Getting the Last Chapter Right, reflect moments of conversation and presentation in which I try to approach these subjects more directly.
Podcast Interview with Joey Pinz Discipline Conversation
In this deeply moving and unexpectedly uplifting episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Cynthia Wall, a 77-year-old licensed therapist, author, cancer thriver, and lifelong helper whose wisdom cuts straight to the soul.
Cynthia shares how a stage-4 cancer diagnosis, discovered by accident, redefined her relationship with fear, purpose, and freedom. She opens up about love, loss, and the profound experience of guiding her late husband through California’s medical aid-in-dying process — a conversation filled with compassion, clarity, and surprising humor.
They explore trust, self-worth, childhood trauma, addiction recovery, writing, and why Cynthia believes that discipline is actually liberation. She also reflects on raising a child she never expected, 40+ years as a psychotherapist, and how near-death experiences reshape our understanding of life itself. Cynthia’s voice is bold, tender, and refreshingly honest — offering listeners a rare mix of emotional intelligence, life-tested wisdom, and practical tools for personal growth.
This episode is a masterclass in courage, curiosity, and learning to show up for yourself — no matter what life brings.
Getting the last chapter right
Here is the link to the video It’s an hour long, via YouTube, covering several topics.
The last few pages in any book are always the most important. The plot comes together, characters forgive and are forgiven, and loose ends are tied up. You can “make it so” in the final chapter of your life. Your legacy is the ultimate evidence of what was most important to you; not just paperwork! Conquering fears, and handling material and spiritual details will be the final gift you give to those you love. Peace of mind and time for fun and loving connection will be your reward.
I’m a medical social worker and psychotherapist with a matter-of-fact perspective on the reality of mortality. In my private practice on the coast since 1985, I have been involved in hospice, and supporting those who grieve. I have been living strong with stage 4 cancer since 2019. I joyfully aided my husband in his choice to use the Medical Aid in Dying, legal since 2016. He passed peacefully at home on 12/31/22.
Thanks to Avenues to Wellness Speaker Series, a program of the Frank R. Howard Foundation, Willits, Mendocino County, California, for the opportunity to share these important ideas. Video from May 2025
“I will defend the importance of bedtime stories to my last gasp.”
Recordings
Who doesn’t love being read to? The texture of a tender human voice slides into the psyche and feeds the soul in ways that make makes dreams come true. This page of “recordings” includes
The Courage to Trust read by Suzie Althens. All others are my voice: guided journeys, exercises, and encouragements to bring desired changes to your life. Enjoy!
Finding your Perfect Summer Cabin
This 20 minute guided visualization will produce a deep sense of calm, and gentle curiosity about what it can be like to create a perfect environment to rest, heal, and create. Begin with a walk in the woods, and allow a sense of discovery to enfold you. The purpose of this journey is to refresh and inspire you, and then to take small steps toward changes you want in the real world.
This 20 minute guided visualization will produce a deep sense of calm, and gentle curiosity about what it can be like to create a perfect environment to rest, heal, and create. Begin with a walk in the woods, and allow a sense of discovery to enfold you. The purpose of this journey is to refresh and inspire you, and then to take small steps toward changes you want in the real world.
Embracing True Prosperity
A 90 minute audiofile, in both CD and MP3 format. Published 2021 by Blackstone Audio.
With the help of a guide—your Future Self—you’ll envision a life of increased purpose and pleasure. Visualizing is the most powerful form of goal setting, and is how the brain creates reality. Once you SEE the finish line, you’ll find the inspiration and courage to stay on course.
Part ONE: “Creating Your Desired Future” allows you to envision your ideal lifestyle, including health, creativity, and matters of Spirit. You will set exciting goals, and discover what is holding you back.
Part TWO: First you meet a magical Genie. Then in “Stepping Into Prosperity” you become clearer about making, managine,and sharing finances. And you’ll end up with strategies to improve them all.
THE courage to trust: a guide to building deep and lasting relationships * Cd 5.5 hours
By Cynthia L. Wall, LCSW Foreword by Sue Patton Thoele
Read by Suzie Althens
Trust is a factor in every interaction. Even a small misunderstanding can trigger a sense of betrayal. Take heart! You can learn to reclaim the Courage to Trust wisely, especially in yourself. You’ll find gentle guidance to become compassionately honest with yourself as well as with others. Through stories, exercises and suggestions you’ll overcome old barriers to building trust and intimacy.
You can listen to a sample of the Audible book by clicking on either button below.