Exploring resilience through case studies of art therapy with sex trafficking survivors and their advocates

Author: Kometiani, Mary & Farmer, Kathryn

Abstract: Human trafficking results in tragedy, trauma, and devastation. Sex trafficking has become a universal dilemma demanding awareness, education, and restorative treatment for the survivors of its illegal and wide ranging crimes. Art therapy is an effective, engaging, and non-verbal treatment to provide healing support to sex trafficking survivors, and for the advocates who work with them. Art therapy facilitates emotional catharsis and empowerment, connection to others and strengthens concepts of the inner self to enhance resilience. Art therapy addresses trauma, and provides hope for the future. This article presents the application of art therapy to enhance resilience within a trauma-informed approach and provides recommendations for victim and advocate programming.

Keywords: art therapy, human sex trafficking, trauma, women’s mental health needs