--- title: "Why Do You Need A Therapist? What Relationship Scams Do To Scam Victims Psychologically – 2024" canonical: https://scampsychology.org/what-relationship-scams-do-to-scam-victims-psychologically-2024/ type: post author: "SCARS Research Team" published: 2024-07-23 modified: 2024-07-23 categories: ["• ARTICLE", "• PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA", "• RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY", "• VICTIM PSYCHOLOGY", "• VICTIM SUPPORT", "♦ FEATURED ARTICLES", "♦ PSYCHOLOGY", "2024"] summary: "" organization: "Official SCARS Institute Journal of Scam Psychology & Recoverology" organization_url: https://scampsychology.org/ llms: https://scampsychology.org/llms.txt --- # Why Do You Need A Therapist? What Relationship Scams Do To Scam Victims Psychologically – 2024 # Why Do You Need A Therapist? What Relationship Scams Do To Scam Victims Psychologically ## Helping Scam Victims Understand Why They Need a Therapist to Support Them! ### Principal Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology ##### Author: • [Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)](https://scampsychology.org/?s=Vianey+Gonzalez) – 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.](http://www.AgainstScams.org) ### Abstract Scams have existed for centuries, but the rise of digital technology has amplified their prevalence and sophistication, especially in the realm of relationship scams. These scams, including romance and pig butchering scams, involve scammers creating fake personas to build trust and emotional bonds with victims, ultimately exploiting them for money or sensitive information. The psychological impact of these scams is profound, leading to deep feelings of betrayal, trust issues, depression, anxiety, shame, and self-blame. Victims often experience significant emotional and mental health struggles, including a loss of self-esteem and self-worth. Therapists play a crucial role in helping victims understand and recover from these impacts. They provide a safe, empathetic space for victims to express their feelings, offer cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies, and assist in rebuilding trust and relationships. Additionally, therapists help victims process trauma and foster post-traumatic growth. By seeking professional help, scam victims can heal emotionally, regain control over their lives, and move forward with resilience and hope. ## Why Scam Victims Need to Visit a Therapist: Understanding the Impact of Relationship Scams **So Why Do Scam Victims Need a Therapist?** Scams have been a part of human society for centuries, but in today's digital life, the prevalence and sophistication of these fraudulent schemes and scams have increased dramatically along with their impact on their victims. Among these, relationship scams—where perpetrators exploit emotional bonds to defraud victims—are particularly damaging. While financial loss is often the most apparent consequence, the emotional and psychological toll on victims are typically many times more profound. Exploring why victims of relationship scams need to visit a therapist and the specific harms that necessitate professional intervention can help set the stage for a much better outcome. ## The Nature of Relationship Scams Relationship scams, some are know known as romance scams or pig butchering scams, typically involve a scammer creating a fake persona to establish a trust relationship with a victim. These scammers often use online platforms, social media, or other online tools to initiate contact. Over time, they build trust and emotional intimacy, reliance and control, by manipulating the victim into sending money in some form, sharing sensitive information, and performing as a mule for them. ## The Psychological Impact of Relationship Scams ### Betrayal and Trust Issues **Deep Betrayal:** The foundation of any relationship is trust. When victims discover that their trust has been manipulated and betrayed, it leads to profound feelings of betrayal - this is called 'betrayal trauma'. This emotional wound can be as severe as, or even more severe than, betrayal in real-life relationships. This brings with it all of the deep psychological effects of trauma. **Erosion of Trust:** Victims will find it difficult to trust others in the future, fearing that they will be deceived again. This leads to isolation and difficulties in forming new relationships, both romantic and platonic, as well as having serious effects on existing relationship with family and friends or even employment. ### Emotional and Mental Health Struggles **Depression and Anxiety:** The realization of being scammed can lead to depression, characterized by feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Anxiety about future interactions and financial stability can also become prevalent. Scam victims are many times more likely to develop these and other forms of mental disorders that need professional support. **Shame and Embarrassment:** Most victims feel deep shame and embarrassment about being deceived, which can prevent them from seeking help or discussing their experience with friends and family. This isolation worsens their mental health struggles. Professionals tend to be their first real opportunity to open up about the crime and its effects on them. ### Loss of Self-Esteem and Self-Worth **Self-Blame:** Victims almost always blame themselves for being gullible or naive, leading to a significant drop in self-esteem. This self-blame is detrimental and can hinder the healing process. It is also wrong, the victim was not to blame - it was not their fault - but getting scam victims to recognize this typically requires professional support. **Identity Crisis:** For some, the experience can cause a profound identity crisis, where they question their judgment, decision-making abilities, and even their self-worth. Justifiably, trauma causes impairment in cognition and other functions. ## The Role of a Therapist in Recovery Visiting a therapist can be a crucial step in the recovery process for victims of relationship scams. Here’s why: ### Therapists Provide Emotional Support and Validation **Safe Space:** A therapist provides a safe and non-judgmental space for victims to express their feelings and experiences. This validation is essential for emotional healing. **Empathy and Understanding:** Therapists offer empathy and understanding, helping victims realize that they are not alone in their experience and that their reactions are normal. ### Therapists Provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) **Addressing Negative Thought Patterns:** CBT helps victims identify and challenge negative thought patterns, such as self-blame and shame. By restructuring these thoughts, victims can rebuild their self-esteem and develop a healthier self-image. **Developing Coping Strategies:** Therapists teach coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression, helping victims regain control over their emotional well-being. ### Therapists Help Rebuilding Trust and Relationships **Trust-Building Exercises:** Therapy can include exercises and strategies to rebuild trust in others. This is crucial for victims to form healthy relationships in the future. **Improving Communication Skills:** Therapists help victims improve their communication skills, which can enhance their ability to set boundaries and recognize red flags in future interactions. ### Therapist Address Trauma and Other Psychological Issues **Trauma-Informed Therapy:** Some victims may experience trauma as a result of the scam. Trauma-informed therapy can help them process and recover from these traumatic experiences. **Post-Traumatic Growth:** Therapy can also focus on post-traumatic growth, where victims learn to find strength and positive changes resulting from their ordeal. ## Conclusion The impact of relationship scams extends far beyond financial loss. The emotional and psychological damage can be severe, affecting victims' mental health, self-esteem, and ability to trust others. Visiting a therapist is a crucial step in addressing these issues, providing victims with the support, validation, and tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives. By seeking professional help, scam victims can overcome the emotional scars of their experience and move forward with resilience and hope.