Resiliency Factors in Human Trafficking Population
Rachel Johnson, MS, LPCC-S, PhD(c) & Maryann O'Malloy, LPCC-S | September 24 | 11:45 AM-12:45 PM
Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics (2014) obligates counselors to maintain multicultural competency in practice throughout Section A and maintains the significance of cultural competencies throughout the entire document. The mention of cultural competencies clearly indicates an understanding and acceptance of all humans as a counselor practicing in the field (American Counseling Association, 2014). Providing non-biased and culturally appropriate care is an ethical obligation of counselors, including to the minority population of survivors of human trafficking and voluntary sex-workers. Violence, coercion, and emotional abuse are prevalent factors (Moret, et.al, 2016). The atmosphere of varied perceptions and identity roles is a consistent theme across the population (Dodsworth, 2014). Victims of human trafficking and sex workers report perceived stigma and biases from social workers and counselors in therapy (Bjønness, 2012). Goals include exploration and understanding effective use of ethical practices within counseling for the population including survivors of human trafficking and voluntary sex workers, including resiliency factors associated with the population. The presentation will consist of slides with handouts and interactive discussion to disseminate information. The objectives include increasing knowledge of commonly used practices in therapeutic settings for population, increasing cultural considerations ethically appropriate for work with population, and increasing understanding of resiliency factors within the population.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the importance of resiliency within the population
· Describe resiliency factors relevant to the population
· Identify methods to implement resiliency within treatment