Systematic Review of Competencies for Counseling Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Author: Mays, Cheri; Field, Thomas & Ng, Kok-Mun

Abstract: Increasing numbers of survivors of sex trafficking are seeking mental health treatment, yet no frameworks currently exist to guide counseling practice with this specific client population. To address this need, we conducted a systematic review to understand which specific awareness, knowledge, skills, and actions are indicated as competencies for mental health professionals to possess when working with survivors. We analyzed 34 relevant articles published between 2010–2021 from peer-reviewed journals and analyzed themes via qualitative content analysis. We identified 33 competencies within the literature, which we organized via axial coding into the a priori domains of awareness (four competencies), knowledge (11 competencies), skills (15 competencies), and actions (three competencies). We reflect on these competencies to provide suggestions for mental health professional preparation and training alongside recommendations for future research, with the intent to support progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Keywords: awareness, counseling, systematic review, sex trafficking, content analysis