Human Trafficking 2.0

Summary

The mental health community recognizes the need for evidence-based information on human trafficking survivors, specifically treatment interventions. Until recently, therapists have adapted sexual assault treatment plans to use with survivors of trafficking. However, the field has noted that trafficking produces numerous specific effects on the victim that overwhelm their ability to cope, which is different from those who are not trafficked. This exposure to chronic victimization increases the risk of physical and psychological difficulties, such as symptoms from impaired cognitive functioning to attachment disorders. The Christian community is leading the way in creating awareness of the problem, advocating for victims and their families, and providing a distinctly Christian approach to the mental health needs of victims who come from a Christian faith background. This training is designed to help participants to assess and identify those who have been trafficked and to implement evidence-based techniques to begin the healing process.   

Learning Objectives  

Participants will…  

1. Analyze multiple factors that place individuals at risk for trafficking victimization
2. Outline various techniques traffickers use on their victims and how those techniques form trauma bonds between the victim and trafficker
3. Evaluate specific Christian counseling evidence-based techniques that assist in the healing process.  

 Presenter:

Shannon Wolf, Ph.D., LPC-S, is the Associate Director for Counseling Programs and Professor of Counseling and Psychology at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in Irving, Texas. She is also the Director of Counseling at Southcliff Christian Counseling Center in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Lesson Titles and Descriptions  

HTRA 101: Overview of Human Trafficking   
Shannon Wolf, Ph.D.  
Human trafficking is an illegal activity that has long-lasting physical, social, and psychological consequences for the survivor. While it is impossible to know exactly how many people are currently being trafficked, it is estimated that approximately 27 million individuals worldwide are enslaved. No people group is left untouched by this crime. This training will examine the scope of the problem, all major forms of trafficking, and describe the impact it has on the victim.  

HTRA 102: Victimology   
Shannon Wolf, Ph.D.  
While anyone can be the target of a human trafficker, victims tend to share common characteristics. Traffickers prey on certain vulnerabilities and use them to identify, recruit, and maintain control of their victims. A detailed understanding of the wide range of methods traffickers employ is essential for those helping survivors recover. This training explores risk factors for victimization along with the methods of recruiting, training, and controlling those ensnared in human trafficking. Also included is a discussion on various types of human traffickers.   

HTRA 103: Counseling Survivors of Human Trafficking  
Shannon Wolf, Ph.D.  
Human trafficking is a highly complex matter that requires a clinician to have a sophisticated set of counseling skills in order to assist survivors recovering from exposure to chronic victimization. The mental health field has noted that trafficking produces numerous adverse effects that profoundly impact the victim. In fact, routine abuse results in a wide range of expected symptoms, from impaired cognitive functioning to attachment disorders. This training will aid in equipping Christian professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for helping survivors heal. Topics will include the long-lasting impact of exposure to chronic abuse and specific evidence-based techniques and treatment modalities used in working with victims of this crime. 

Continuing Education   

3.0 CE Credits available for LPC, LMFT, and LCSW.  

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/