Reflective Questioning to Help Scam Victims Transform Judgmentalism into a Safer Conversation – 2024
Reflective Questioning to Help Scam Victims Transform Judgmentalism into a Safer Conversation
A Guide for Scam Victims: Disengaging from Conflict and Redirecting Blame Toward Constructive Dialogue
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Reflective questioning is a conversational technique that empowers scam victims to manage accusatory or judgmental reactions constructively. When sharing their experiences, victims may encounter blame or criticism rooted in the other person’s unprocessed emotions, such as fear or frustration. Reflective questioning involves calmly asking open-ended, non-confrontational questions that redirect the conversation away from blame and toward introspection and mutual understanding. This approach defuses emotional intensity, encourages the other person to reflect on their intentions, and promotes collaboration in exploring the broader context of the issue. By asking questions like “What are you hoping to achieve with this conversation?” victims can shift the focus to shared learning and constructive outcomes.
