Betrayal

It is done: I’m in. Hook, line and sinker. I’m talking about Celebrity Traitors. The suspense, the secret alliances, the drama; it’s addictive. But beyond the entertainment, the show touches on something deeply human: our relationship with trust, belonging, and the fear of betrayal.

From a counselling point of view, The Traitors is a fascinating study in what happens when those needs collide.

The Fragility of Trust

Trust is the invisible thread that holds relationships together. On the show, players form quick bonds and rely on gut instinct to decide who’s safe. But when deception is built into the game, that trust is constantly under threat.

In life, too, we build trust as a way to feel secure and connected. When it’s broken - whether by lies, secrecy, or manipulation - it can shake our sense of safety. Our sympathetic autonomic nervous system is activated, seeing danger where once there was comfort. That’s why betrayal feels so destabilising: it’s not just about what happened, it’s about losing the foundation of security.

Projection and Paranoia

As suspicion rises in the game, players start second-guessing everything. They project fear, guilt, or insecurity onto others - a behaviour counsellors often see in real relationships.

When we’re anxious or unsure, our brains go into protection mode. We might imagine rejection or deceit, even without clear evidence. It’s not weakness; it’s our nervous system trying to keep us safe. Recognising this can be the first step toward rebuilding trust, both in others and in ourselves.

The Human Need to Belong

Underneath all the scheming is a simple truth: people want to belong. Being left out or doubted can stir up old wounds of rejection or abandonment. Watching The Traitors, we see people navigating those same emotions we all know: the fear of being excluded, misunderstood, or cast out.

Why We Can’t Look Away

As viewers, we’re captivated because the show mirrors real emotional dynamics turned up to full volume. We get to explore our own feelings about honesty, loyalty, and connection, safely from the sofa.

In counselling, these same themes often emerge: Who can I trust? What happens when someone lets me down? How do I protect myself without shutting others out?

Ultimately, The Traitors isn’t just about deception, it’s about being human. It shows how fragile trust can be, and how brave it is to keep showing up, connecting, and trusting again, even when we’ve been hurt.