Are We There Yet? Scam Victims Mistake Relief for Being Cured of Their Trauma

Principal Category: Psychological Trauma

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Many scam victims and others in therapy mistakenly believe in the possibility of a quick “cure” for their trauma, especially when they start to feel some relief from symptoms. This desire for a rapid resolution stems from the deep pain and distress caused by their experience, leading them to hope that a few therapy sessions will erase the emotional impact. However, trauma recovery is not a straightforward or brief process; it’s a multi-year journey that involves deep work to address underlying vulnerabilities, rebuild trust, and develop long-term coping strategies. The notion of being “cured” is misleading and can result in premature disengagement from therapy, leaving individuals vulnerable to future setbacks when unresolved trauma resurfaces. Effective therapy requires ongoing commitment, self-care, and support, even after significant progress is made, to ensure a sustainable and fulfilling recovery.

The Misconception of Being “Cured” in Trauma Recovery: A Common Mistake Among Scam Victims

Recovery from trauma, especially after falling victim to a scam, is a complex and lengthy journey that many people misunderstand.

At SCARS Institute we call this journey the ‘Yellow Brick Road,’ but we also make it clear that this will be one of the most difficult journeys that scam victims will accomplish in their lives.

A common mistake that both scam victims and others in therapy make is the desire for a quick “cure” and the mistaken belief that they are fully “cured” after a short period of treatment when they start to feel better. This misconception can be particularly harmful, as it may lead to premature disengagement from therapy or a false sense of security that leaves individuals vulnerable to future emotional setbacks and the symptoms of unmanaged or incompletely managed trauma.

The Desire for a Trauma Quick Fix

After experiencing a betrayal trauma and the intense emotional pain and distress that comes with being scammed, it’s natural for victims to want a quick resolution.

The desire to be “cured” quickly stems from a deep need to escape the suffering and return to a sense of normalcy. Many (most?) victims enter therapy with the false hope that a few sessions will erase the pain, restore their trust, and eliminate the anxiety or depression caused by the scam.

However, trauma recovery is not a process with a clear endpoint. The idea of being “cured” suggests a finality that is rarely achievable in the context of trauma. Trauma can fundamentally alter a person’s emotional landscape, and the effects can linger for years, even decades. Therapy is not about finding a cure but about learning to manage these lasting effects in a way that allows individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

The Illusion of Being “Cured”

Another common mistake is the belief that one is “cured” after experiencing some relief from symptoms. As therapy progresses, many individuals start to feel better—they may notice that their anxiety has decreased, they are sleeping better, or they no longer feel the constant dread that once dominated their lives. These improvements can create the illusion that the work is done and that they are fully healed.

However, this sense of being “cured” is false and misleading. While initial improvements are a positive sign, they do not mean that the underlying trauma has been fully processed or that it will no longer affect the individual in the future. Trauma recovery involves a cycle of progress and setbacks. Triggers do resurface, new stressors can bring old wounds to light, and emotions that were thought to be resolved can re-emerge. This is why ongoing therapy and self-care are required, even after significant progress has been made.

Therapy as a Multi-Year Process

Effective trauma therapy is typically a multi-year process that involves deep work to address the root causes of trauma – often influenced by past traumas, rebuild trust, and develop long-term coping strategies. For scam victims, this can mean exploring the underlying vulnerabilities that made them susceptible to the scam, processing the shame and guilt that usually accompany the experience, and learning to navigate relationships and social interactions with a renewed sense of confidence and awareness, with newly established boundaries.

It’s important to understand that therapy is not a linear process. There may be periods of significant progress followed by times when old feelings resurface or new challenges arise. This is normal and part of the healing journey. By committing to therapy for the long haul, individuals give themselves the best chance of achieving lasting recovery and building resilience against future challenges.

The Importance of Ongoing Support

Even after therapy has ended, the journey of managing trauma continues. Maintaining mental health requires ongoing effort, including regular self-reflection, continued use of coping strategies learned in therapy, and possibly periodic check-ins with a therapist. Support providers (such as SCARS Institute) and peer networks can also provide valuable ongoing support, helping individuals stay connected with others who understand their experiences.

Where Are You?

Take our Trauma Recovery Progress Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims to see how you might be doing! Click here.

Summary

While the desire for a quick “cure” is understandable, it’s essential to recognize that trauma recovery is a long-term process. Believing that one is fully “cured” after initial improvements leads to premature disengagement from therapy and leaves individuals vulnerable to future setbacks.

Embracing the idea that therapy is about managing trauma, rather than curing it, allows individuals to approach their recovery with patience and resilience, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling path to healing.

Resources

To sign up for SCARS Institute support go to support.AgainstScams.org

To learn about the scam, your victimization, and how to recover start at www.ScamVictimsSupport.org and then continue with www.SCARSeducation.org

To find a counselor visit counseling.AgainstScams.org