Understanding Complex Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth in Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Understanding Complex Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth in Survivors of Sex Trafficking
Author: Heather Evans
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 223
Release: 2021-08-19
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 100042684X

Foregrounding the voices of women who have survived experiences of domestic sex trafficking in the US, this text implements qualitative research methodologies to illustrate how experiences of complex trauma have impact on women’s identities, sexuality, relationships, and re-integration into communities. Building on theoretical understandings of complex trauma and posttraumatic growth, this volume centers insights from in-depth interviews and photovoice methodology to document survivors’ experience of sex trafficking and recovery. Outlining the nature of support and services available, the text identifies recommendations for effective recovery and in doing so, emphasizes women’s capacity for post-traumatic growth. Relationship development, therapeutic and peer-support are highlighted as primary sources of healing. Ultimately, the text affirms the need for trauma-informed, ecological, and relational perspectives in the care of survivors. This text will benefit researchers, academics, and educators with an interest in trauma studies, clinical social work, and those working in mental health research more broadly. The text will also support further discussion and reflection around mental health services and support systems, adult trauma counselling, and mental health policy.

The Routledge International Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth

The Routledge International Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth
Author: Roni Berger
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 544
Release: 2023-12-08
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000991253

The Routledge International Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth offers a rich covering of approaches to different traumatic and stressful experiences in relation to posttraumatic growth (PTG). This handbook explores the benefits that individuals, couples, families, organizations, and communities can experience following the struggle with highly stressful and potentially traumatic events. Split into seven parts and written by a diverse international team of multidisciplinary contributors who provide a comprehensive overview of PTG, topics include religious and spiritual aspects of PTG, gender in PTG, PTG in LGBTQ+, perinatal bereavement, and more. The Routledge International Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth represents an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals, including social workers, psychologists, nurses, mental health counselors, and psychiatrists. Chapter 1 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license

Posttraumatic Growth Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Posttraumatic Growth Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Author: Lazara Novas
Publisher:
Total Pages: 72
Release: 2018
Genre: Chid sexual abuse
ISBN:

This systematic review sought to provide a better understanding of the factors that are associated with the development of post-traumatic growth (PTG) following a sexual abuse experience. Ten articles related to posttraumatic growth and/or resilience in survivors of childhood sexual abuse were reviewed. Findings indicated a number of factors that were related to PTG. Specifically, positive changes in self-perception, developing trust in and accepting oneself, healing through therapy (moving past self blame, facing fears, developing insight, finding hope, making conscious decisions to grow), developing new and secure/trusting interpersonal relationships (including with one's own children), and improved philosophy of life/spirituality/ability to find meaning, were all related to the ability to achieve PTG. These themes are similar to Tedeschi and Calhoun's (1996) main domains of PTG: personal strength, new possibilities, relating to others, appreciation of life, and spiritual change and are also consistent with recovery principles. The findings, which are very specific to PTG among CSA survivors, might serve as a basic foundation for future research and the development of a clinical model to foster PTG among children and youth who experienced CSA.

Leaving Darkness Behind

Leaving Darkness Behind
Author: Elizabeth M. Altmaier
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Total Pages: 172
Release: 2021-10-25
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 143383829X

This book provides a psychologically informed perspective on childhood sexual abuse. Its goal is to help you orient yourself toward recovery and learn healthy practices that will lead to thriving, not just surviving. Written by an author who is herself a survivor, this guide describes how complex trauma affects your overall health. On that knowledge foundation you are invited to build strengths in various areas of your life, such as meaning-making, connections with others, and hope.

Exploitation and Criminalization at the Margins

Exploitation and Criminalization at the Margins
Author: Taryn VanderPyl
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 349
Release: 2024-09-11
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 166692136X

Exploitation and Criminalization at the Margins: The Hidden Toll on Unvalued Lives explores the causes and consequences of discrimination experienced by vulnerable populations in the areas of policing, criminal justice, sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, immigration, (dis)ability, politics, substance abuse, and food insecurity. The contributors—many with firsthand experience—argue that children, women, people of color, immigrants, and numerous “others” are systemically devalued by institutions and authority figures. By indicating that some lives are worth less than others, it becomes possible and even socially acceptable to deny these groups assistance and resources, which in turn increases the risk and harm these marginalized communities face. Centering lived experiences, this work challenges discriminatory assumptions, presenting alternative pathways to equity that emphasize human dignity, compassion, empathy, and collaborative social justice.

A Preliminary Perspective for Identifying Resilience and Promoting Growth Among Survivors of Sex Trafficking

A Preliminary Perspective for Identifying Resilience and Promoting Growth Among Survivors of Sex Trafficking
Author: Michelle Sobon
Publisher:
Total Pages: 108
Release: 2015
Genre: Human trafficking
ISBN:

This work offers an analysis of the existing literature on trauma, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and sex trafficking. It argues that the field tends to gravitate toward trauma and overlook resilience and the potential for posttraumatic growth amongst survivors of sex trafficking. This work recommends that the field should attend to both abuses endured as well as the courage and strength gained by survivors. Specifically, it argues that it is the task of the mental health professional to step into trauma trajectories with a strengths-based perspective to promote positive, resilient, and growth-oriented outcomes. Resilience and posttraumatic growth theories have been substantiated by empirical support across all gradients of risk and trauma exposure. Survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, trafficking in childhood for genocide soldiers, holocaust survivors, and family crises are among this evidence base; all of which parallel aspects of sex trafficking. However, the field has yet to explore this particular subset of trauma survivors. Research has also demonstrated that when clinicians look for strengths, beginning with the initial interview, they find internal assets and external resources that mark resilience processes in their clients. This type of initial interview then incites a trajectory toward growth-oriented treatment. To apply these concepts, this dissertation proposes resilience and posttraumatic growth guidelines for working with survivors in treatment and research capacities. This work also provides a brief review of how aftercare programs within the United States utilize these guidelines and where they can improve. Finally, phases of treatment and a preliminary model for program components is suggested, which is based on the proposed resilience and growth recommendations.

Overcoming Childhood Sexual Trauma

Overcoming Childhood Sexual Trauma
Author: Sheri Oz
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2014-09-25
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1136258329

Go beyond the pain and fear of sexual abuse to heal the trauma Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can be a physically and emotionally painful soul-shattering experience that can traumatize a person for a lifetime. The Wall of Fear: Crossing the Wall from Trauma to Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse is a unique exploration of the subjective experiences of both client and therapist as they together travel the path to recovery. Therapists get a clear illustration of the therapy process while CSA survivors are offered a gauge with which to judge their own progress toward recovery. New therapeutic concepts are clearly presented and extensively discussed while sensitively charting the experiences of clients on the journey toward healing. As Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” The Wall of Fear charts the arduous progress of a survivor from the initial understanding that they need help and guidance, to choosing the correct therapist, to the emotional roadblocks most clients face on their own personal recovery from the hell of CSA. The authors team up to courageously provide readers with a comprehensive and candid portrait of their experiences of CSA therapy while demonstrating the approaches which effectively enhance healing. Features include schematic drawings of the stages of therapy, the client’s own diary from her youth through her therapy in adulthood, client drawings illustrating progress in therapy, and effective art exercises that can be used at the beginning of therapy. The text includes extensive references, useful appendixes, and a helpful glossary of terms for the layperson. Topics in The Wall of Fear include: the nature of sexual trauma (the new concept of the World of Trauma) growing up traumatized—and its effect on friendships, sexual development, dating, and mate selection couples’ relationships and sexuality selecting a therapist the new concept of The Wall of Fear closure coping with the therapy process parenting by CSA survivors and the impact on the next generation the subjective experiences of both therapist and CSA survivor The Wall of Fear stands as a testament that no matter what sexual trauma a person may endure, there is hope for recovery. This is insightful, crucial reading for survivors of CSA and therapists at all levels of expertise.

Sex Trafficking

Sex Trafficking
Author: Jennifer Davidtz
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 115
Release: 2022-08-09
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 3031091205

This Brief proposes best practices for assessment and intervention with sex trafficking survivors, rooted in the existing theory and practice literatures. Based in current research and clinical practice, these recommendations are embedded in the context of cultural sensitivity. This volume provides a relevant, practical, and informative outline of sex trafficking, associated legal aspects, and best practices for mental health clinicians to aid in successful treatment of sex trafficking survivors.

Insights from a Sixty-Four-Year Case of Anorexia Nervosa

Insights from a Sixty-Four-Year Case of Anorexia Nervosa
Author: Don R. Lipsitt
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 188
Release: 2023-04-21
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000869210

This volume offers rare insight into an enduring case of anorexia nervosa in a female patient and details the approaches to treatment taken by psychotherapists throughout the 64 year period 1938-2002. Through discussion and analysis of clinical notes and transcripts, Lipsitt traces the course of the patient’s illness to consider the centrality of the mother-daughter relationship and to highlight aspects of constancy and change in the illness over time. Particular attention is paid to shifts and progress in understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa, and consideration is also given to how contemporary treatment might differ in view of more recent advances in cognitive behavioral approaches. Offering an innovative approach toward addressing the transgenerational perspective of women’s experiences of eating disorders, this book provides material for a range of professionals to discuss the nature of the disorder and the pros and cons of different treatment approaches. An original take on the relationship dynamics and perspectives of anorexia sufferers, this volume will be of interest to students, faculty and scholars with an interest in studying eating disorders and their treatment approaches, including psychoanalytic psychotherapy.