Therapists’ Experiences of Counseling Foreign-National Sex-Trafficking Survivors in the U.S. and the Impact of COVID-19

Author: Wang, Xinyi & Park-Taylor, Jennie

Abstract: This phenomenological study examines therapists’ experiences working with foreign-national survivors of sex-trafficking in the United States. Data collection started before the COVID-19 pandemic and additional questions, regarding the impact of the pandemic, were added to the protocol at interview no. 6. Based on in-depth semistructured interviews with 11 therapists, the impact that this work had on clinicians followed a U-shaped curve through which 6 predominant themes were identified including (a) the clinical experience of working with sex-trafficking survivors; (b) vicarious experiences; (c) connection between spirituality/religiosity and counseling; (d) the role of sociocultural identities; (e) identification of needs; and (f) the pandemic’s influence on counseling and clients’ lives. Findings suggest both challenges, such as vicarious traumatization, and opportunities for growth, such as vicarious resilience, for therapists in their work with sex-trafficking survivors. Suggestions for therapists to improve professional longevity were generated directly from the interviews and include an emphasis on continuing education and self-care. Implications for future research and service organizations are discussed.

Keywords: trauma therapists, foreign-national sex-trafficking survivors, vicarious resilience, professional longevity, phenomenological