As a psychologist specializing in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), I was asked to shed light on the underlying emotional dynamics that can lead to exploitative behavior. From an EFT perspective, behaviors stem from the «action tendencies» associated with a given emotion. In the case of the men involved in Epstein’s circle, my sense is that their a sense of exceptionalism or entitlement, stems from an underlying fear of losing their status and being perceived as inferior. This possibility is so threatening that they manage their fear through the pursuit of power, status, and control. In other words, they are willing to do whatever is required to maintain their position in the social hierarchy (i.e., stay within Epstein’s «in group»), including engaging in abusive behaviour towards girls and women.

What seems even more revealing to me than individual psychology, however, is the broader cultural context.

The Epstein files highlight the darker impact of patriarchal socialization — particularly how some men are conditioned to believe that their social status is maintained by over-powering women. This belief places them as superior beings and women as inferior ones, and goes hand in hand with a sense of entitlement, and the objectification of women. Sexual abuse, and exploitation («rape culture») seem like a natural consequence of de-humanizing a person.  Misogyny is not only an individual attitude; it is embedded in systems that normalize domination and reward exploitation.

We must also acknowledge the broader reality of gender-based violence in our society. It is not just a flashy headline — it is a lived experience for many women. In my clinical practice, I consistently see female clients grappling with the emotional aftermath of harassment, coercion, assault, and other forms of gendered harm that most often occurred in their families or with male partners. These experiences profoundly damage an individual’s self-worth, their capacity for trust, and their general sense of safety in the world. Gender-based violence is sustained not only by individual perpetrators but by cultural narratives that minimize, excuse, or silence women’s experiences.

If we stop at the scandal itself, we miss the deeper questions related to power, gender socialization, systemic inequality, and accountability.