Counseling Approaches for Victims of Human Trafficking - Research Paper Example

Healing the Wounds of the Modern Day Slave-Trade: Effective Counseling Modalities for Victims of Human Trafficking Name Due Date Introduction Most of us in the United States believe that the idea of slavery, the physical forcing of human beings to do as others please, no longer exists. People being bought and sold is a thing of history in the minds of the general populace. For that reason it can be quite shocking to discover that the slave trade is still very much alive and there are individuals actively exchanging human lives for profit. Human Trafficking is an extremely lucrative industry. The victims of human trafficking suffer a great deal of physical, emotional, mental, and, very often, sexual abuses, the effects of which can continue to be experienced well after they have been liberated from their captors. The majority of these victims suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, along with a number of other health issues, including drug abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. The need for these individuals to receive mental health care is essentially imperative to the likelihood of these individuals ability to relearn how to live in the world free of the “slave trade” and handle the traumas that their captivity has caused. There are dozens upon dozens of potential treatment modalities or approaches that might be applied by mental health professionals; finding the right treatments to successfully counsel and aid in the reintegration into society of these individuals and making certain that these treatments are available are paramount concerns in relation to this topic.(Williamson, Dutch & Clawson, 2010) Background Human Trafficking Human trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of any person for the purposes of or in any form…by use of threat or use of force for the purpose of slavery forced labor, servitude, or bondage.”(Ashizuka, 2000) That said, these crimes are a modern day slave trade. It is a hugely lucrative industry with a yearly profit of, approximately, $32 million. Human trafficking has surpassed the illegal profits gained from black-market gun sales, and is the fastest growing industry just behind the drug trafficking. (Axtell, 2012) The sad reality is that 50% of the countries involved in these heinous crimes are industrialized, developed, nations. Although, it occurs all over the world, Thailand stands out as the major epicenter of the modern slave trade. A huge portion of trafficking originates in Thailand and transports its victims to Russian, Burma, China, a large portion to Japan, and, even the United States. However, it should be clear that although much of the slave trade involve international exchanges, there is, also, a an active underground industry domestically, as well, within all the countries above, including the United States.("Dying to leave," 2003) There are at any given time, nearly, 12 million people being held as slaves, suffering as forced laborers, or sold into prostitution.(Marshall, 2010) Poverty is, ideally, the number one catalyst that allows such a thing as the human slave trade to exist, flourish, and persist. There are four ways, generally, that an individual can find themselves a victim of human trafficking. They are kidnapped, tricked, born into, or sold into the dark industry. Because 50% of the human trafficking victims are children, many homeless and runaway youths are easy targets for being “snatched” off the streets. Other children are born directly into the industry and will know no other life. Other victims genuinely believed that they were being offered legitimate work, in the fields of food service and other domestic labor, like child care. Their captors will employ cruel and violent means, when necessary to make certain that their “property” remains subdued and unable, even unwilling, to leave; abuse is a common tool implemented by the traders to ensure obedience. Isolation prevents the victims from having access to the world outside of the reality created by their captors. Fear is the primary element that guarantees the victims remain silent victims. The fear of abuse, sexual assault, and harm to family are universal threats. For international victims in a foreign land, they are fearful of deportation and, often, distrustful of law enforcement, so seeking help from them would be unlikely. In many countries law enforcement are paid allies of the traffickers.(Logan, Walker, & Hunt, 2009). Lastly, are those victims who are sold into the industry. A 2001 study revealed that, nearly, 800 families, from the Mae Sai region in Thailand, 70% openly admit that they had sold, at least, one daughter into prostitution.("Dying to leave," 2003) That is a painfully shocking reality. Despite the millions of dollars spent by the United States Department on conferences, campaigns, and organizations attempting to raise awareness, along with the anti-trafficking policies implemented by, at least, 60 different nations, the capture, charging and incarcerating of traffickers is unbelievably difficult. The United Nations describes the human trafficking industry as a “heinous act” that brings shame to everyone because we successfully arrest and jail so few.(Marshall, 2010) For the victims being freed from captivity is not, always, an easy blessing. Adapting to their new freedom can be quite difficult, especially when many fear retaliation from those who owned them. These victims generally, suffer from the mental and emotional damage that they are unaware of and may deny the need for mental health treatment. Also, these individuals may have other issues, as a byproduct of their captivity, which will, also, require help and counseling, like drug abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the victims of human trafficking suffer from the condition Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Helping these individuals overcome the traumatic experiences in their lives is necessary in order for them to heal and lead healthier, fuller lives.(Tull, 2012) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental condition which is often suffered by individuals who have experienced continual traumatic events; threats of violence, threats of death, and threats to loved ones, which can result in intense fear and helplessness. These emotions can continue to be triggered well after they have been liberated from captivity.(Williamson, Dutch & Clawson, 2010) Many people are familiar with the term in relation to the horrors experienced by military soldiers in times of warfare. However, the victims of human trafficking also suffer similar experiences and issues reentering into society. Some of the “symptoms” of PTSD includes, reexperiencing the traumatic events, avoiding things that are likely to associate to the initial trauma that caused their emotional issues, like a coldness or numbing of emotions. Many of these victims can respond with fear and, on occasion, violence, when they continually reexperience the events, horrors, and traumas they have now been saved from.(Cohen, 2006) There are many different modalities, approaches, and potential treatments and therapies that have been attempted to aid the sufferers of PTSD. In fact, modern psychotherapy boasts hundreds of innovations, variations, and, potential applications, ideally, to help the sufferers of PTSD. Teaching these individuals to learn to live free of their fears and anxieties and put their traumas of their past into the past and help them move forward.(DeAngelis, 2008) Some of the more popular modalities in the treatment of PTSD include, psychodynamic, humanistic, eclectic, and cognitive-behavioral. In order to understand how these modalities are effective it is relevant to review them individually. The Modalities Associated with PTSD Psychodynamic Therapies The theory behind the number of psychodynamic therapies available today began with Sigmund Freud in the early parts of the 1900s. Although there are a number of different approaches they all focus on the idea that all of human behavior is, essentially dictated by biological imperatives, inherited instincts, and the conflicts between the self and society. Psychoanalysis, specifically, is a subset of psychodynamic therapy and has been practiced in helping in treating PTSD. Psychoanalysis, like all the approaches within the practice of psychodynamics, tends to require a lengthy course of treatment sometimes, daily visits, which can be quite costly. General implementing of psychoanalysis involves the victim lying on a couch with the mental health professional out of site. They are then expected to “free associate” and speak of whatever comes to mind. The therapist or counselor using these techniques will say very little other than to point out their interpretation of the individual’s unconscious motives behind all of their thoughts and actions.("Types of psychological," 2012) Humanistic and Existential Therapies The humanistic, often called Existential, theory which focuses upon the innate human emotions that apply to all, which is a direct response to what was felt to be restrictions or limitations of psychodynamic therapies. Carl Rogers is the theorist credited with creating this entirely new perspective on approaching and treating mental and emotional concerns. Humanistic theory, in tribute it is sometimes called Rogerian theory, focuses on the idea that all human beings intrinsic goal in life is to “self-actualize.” This is the simplest terms, that human beings are on a conscious and unconscious mission to grow, improve and become the best “self” they can be. That said, humanistic theory offers an individuality of treatment that accommodates a more diverse world. The mental health professional is there as a guide that allows the individual to understand him or herself and deduce their own motivations; a humanist therapist would never define or interpret your actions for you. Each individual experiences, like their reactions, are as unique as every individual. (Grohol, 2004) Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Cognitive-Behavior therapy (CBT) was developed by Aaron T. Beck, in the 1960s, by combining the therapeutic approaches of, both, Cognitive therapy, a term coined by Ulric Neisser, and the Behaviorist approaches of Watson and Skinner. Cognitive therapies focus on the influence our feelings have on our actions and how we perceive our reality, while behaviorists focus on the “learned” behaviors that motivate our behavior; for example a child throwing temper tantrums that gets his/her way learns that by behaving that way they will be rewarded. Beck felt that the two therapies united would be better suited to help address an individual’s dysfunctional or damaged emotions, behaviors, and responses through goal oriented exercises and tasks. The Cognitive-Behavioral approach has great success in treating PTSD and the symptoms that are associated.(Tull, 2012) Cognitive-Behavioral therapy implements a number of different therapies including exposure therapy, stress inoculation training, cognitive processing cognitive reconstructing, and eye-movement desensitization techniques, and cognitive reprocessing. All of these are designed to change a person’s reaction to specific stimuli and help them to retrain themselves to abandon negative and/or undesirable behaviors. (DeAngelis, 2008) Eclectic Therapies The eclectic approaches are considered by the psychiatric world, to be the modality without a theory and a therapy that is not actual therapy. This is not as confusing as it may seem. The eclectic approach to mental health is open-minded and the favored approach of many modern mental health professionals. It simply allows a therapist or counselor to pick and choose what aspects and elements from the numerous approaches and respective theories that are most beneficial in any given case. It allows for individualism of people, their problems, and appropriate treatments. Eclectics borrow from all schools of therapy in order to discover the roots of the issues more efficiently. It, also, allows for a greater opportunity to help a larger group of people. For example, where one individual may benefit from one-on-one conversation, others may be better helped through counseling and drug therapies. No two people are the same and no two respond the same to a situation.(Grohol, 2004) Applying the Modalities to Victims of Human Trafficking It is true that all of the aforementioned perspectives and approaches have been implemented, with varying ranges of success, in treating the sufferers of PTSD. Not all have been specifically successful in treating the victims of human trafficking. Psychoanalysis and Humanistic approaches are, both, often too costly and, often quite lengthy in order to be effective; it is not, usually, offered to the victims of human trafficking for exactly those reasons. However the remaining approaches, Cognitive-Behavioral and eclectic therapies have shown to have strong and positive results. Cognitive –Behavioral has by and large become the favored choice of treatment for individuals who are survivors of human trafficking. Firstly is, exposure therapy, which focuses on forcing individuals to be “exposed” to the very things that trigger their anxieties, fears, and reactions allowing them to learn to react differently to them. The second is Stress-Inoculation training, which focuses on preventing potential stress and anxiety by helping an individual recognize the “triggers” that cause a negative response. This helps them to indentify the stressors and begin “coping mechanisms,” ideally, helping them prevent the negative response to begin with.(Tull, 2012) The eclectic approach, as mentioned, before is a blending of different modalities and different theories brought together to meet the treatment needs of individuals. This approach is very helpful when treating the children who are victims of the trafficking industry. Where children would be either intimidated or unfocused in one-on-one therapeutic session, however, incorporating “play therapy,” for example, may be entirely beneficial. Also group therapies and interaction with members of their peer groups can be a fantastic way to facilitate healing and promote positive potentials for reintegration. Studies continue to show that liberated victims of human trafficking who received PTSD counseling found adapting to or adapting to society was less difficult, however, without the benefit of counseling they reported serious difficulties, continuing emotional issues, fear and anxiety, and an inability to adapt.(Clawson, Salomon & Goldblatt Grace, 2007) For international victims the difficulties are only amplified by adapting to a new country and “freedom” from their captors all at the same time. Language barriers, cultural, and spiritual differences, also, can add strain to an already difficult mentally and emotionally damaging experience. Children, who again, make up 50% of the human trafficking profit, are a large part of those in need of proper counseling interventions. However, children who often suffer the worst abuses and cruelties, are very resilient. Children, generally, heal quicker and adapt faster than their adult counter-parts.(Clawson, Dutch, Solomon & Goldblatt Grace, 2009) Issues & Solutions It goes without question that human trafficking is most certainly a serious international crime that needs to be addressed and eradicated. With the numbers of victims who are liberated and the millions yet to be saved, there is undoubtedly, more in need of aid than those who can provide it. There is an immediate need for more effective mental healthcare protocols to be in place. Unfortunately, many human trafficking survivors do not receive the aid that they may need for several reasons. The first, as in the case of international trafficking victims, language barrier and cultural misunderstandings can lead to unmet mental health needs. Also, international victims often have to deal with a barrage of legal issues due to their undocumented statuses. International minors are protected from potential illegal entanglements and receive benefits via the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Therefore they have more offered to them initially than many of their adult counter-parts. (Clawson, Dutch, Solomon & Goldblatt Grace, 2009) The next major issues that can prevent therapeutic opportunities are the victims themselves. The fact that some human trafficking victims have known no other lifestyle, for a long time, if not their entire life, may not perceive their captivity as wrong or realize that they were, in fact, a victim of a crime. These individuals may not seek treatment out of ignorance of their own situation. Lastly, a significant issue to providing treatment is the funding necessary to provide these victims with the level and length of therapy they may genuinely require.(Clawson & Dutch, 2010) Solving these issues is no easy feat. The most logical solution in this situation is to find a way to destroy and permanently prevent the human trafficking industry once and for all. Unfortunately new trafficking policies and incentives are few and far between, and, as yet, the human slave trade continues to grow and profit. The implementation of stronger policies, more reliable detections procedures, and stricter and longer sentencing when they are caught and tried are desperately needed.(Logan, Walker, & Hunt, 2009). Therefore the only thing that we can do is improve how we treat the victims. Suggestions in this area are bountiful. There is a need to more fully recognize the mental health symptoms that may need treatment, even, if they do not realize it. This prevents victims from slipping through the cracks. Also, authorizing and funding available to those victims who are in need of longer-term, in depth treatments, normally, not offered to them.(Clawson & Dutch, 2010) The implementation of specific policies that prevent the legal issues so that international individuals can be less fearful of law enforcement and less suspicious of the “system.” It has, also, been suggested that encouraging survivors who have overcome reintegration to become involved in helping with healing of others. This has shown to be, particularly, helpful, with international victims, specifically, women in the sex and prostitution industries.(Clawson, Dutch, Solomon & Goldblatt Grace, 2009) Conclusions We are talking about people, men, women and children, who have been tortured, assaulted, demeaned, and disregarded. They are all victims. They deserve to be helped. As a counselor it is absolutely imperative to remember that you have the ability to offer great help, but, can, also , inadvertently cause great harm. Finding the correct therapies to help each person in the most beneficial and individualized ways is imperative. It is, also, absolutely necessary to understand that there is a fear of mental health care, this extends beyond the realm of human trafficking and includes the general populace. This makes participating in therapy or counseling something that many do not want to participate in. As a counselor I would like to be able to identify those individuals who are in need of assistance, even when they may not realize it. In the case of treating human trafficking victims there is a genuine opportunity to have a positive impact in someone’s life. To help a man realize that he has a value beyond his ability to labor is priceless. To help a woman realize that her life has greater meaning than fulfilling the sexual needs of the men who “owned” them, or give a child born into the slave trade an opportunity to adjust to the kind of lives children should have. These possibilities give me strength and remind me just how valuable my assistance could be and the kind of difference I could potentially make. Human trafficking is a disgusting industry that should not exist in 2013 and one that needs to be addressed with finality; until that occurs, however, the victims must be our priority. Making the necessary improvements to the mental healthcare process for victims is a wonderful start, but it is only a start. The importance of the different possible modalities allows mental health professionals to have an arsenal of beneficial approaches to help people who desperately need it. Researchers say that,”…fundamentally human trafficking is a deprivation of the most basic entitlements and human rights, and this absence of entitlements and rights limits the ability to achieve a meaningful life.” (Logan, Walker, & Hunt,. 2009).However, with positive counseling interventions there is still an opportunity to repair the damage and change the course of their lives into something brighter and positive. That is, and will always be, a fantastic and worthwhile endeavor. References Ashizuka, T. (2000). Ted case studies: Women trafficking from thailand to japan (thaiwomen case). TED Case Studies, Retrieved from http://www1.american.edu/ted/thaiwomen.htm Axtell, B. (2012, December 3). Selling american girls: The truth about domestic minor sex-trafficking. Forbes, 2. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/shenegotiates/2012/12/03/selling-american-girls-the-truth-about-domestic-minor-sex-trafficking/ Clawson, H. J., & Dutch, N. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Development. (2010). Addressing the needs of victims of human trafficking: Challenges, barriers, and promising practices. Retrieved from website: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/humantrafficking/Needs/ib.shtml Clawson, H., Dutch, N., Solomon, A., & Goldblatt Grace, L. United States Department of Health and Human Services, (2009). Human trafficking into and within the united states: A review of the literature. Retrieved from United States Department of Health and Human Services website: http://www.wunrn.com/news/2009/10_09/10_05_09/100509_trafficking.htm Clawson, H. J., Salomon, A., & Goldblatt Grace, L. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2007). Treating the hidden wounds: Trauma treatment and mental health recovery for victims of human trafficking. Retrieved from website: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/humantrafficking/Treating/ib.pdf Cohen, H. (2006). Psychotherapy treatment for ptsd. PsychCentral, 1. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/treatment-of-ptsd/ DeAngelis, T. (2008). Ptsd treatments grow in evidence, effectiveness. American Psychological Association, 39(1), 1. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/jan08/ptsd.aspx Grohol, J. M. (2004, September 21). Types of therapies: Theoretical orientations and practices of therapists. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/therapy.htm Logan, T. K., Walker, R., & Hunt, G. (2009). Understanding human trafficking in the united states. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 10(3), 2-30. Retrieved from http://files.meetup.com/184719/Understanding_HumanTrafficking_In_US.pdf Marshall, A. (2010, July 8). Is thailand losing the battle against human traffickers? read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2082074,00.html Tull, M. (2012, November 21). Overview of cognitive behavioral treatments for ptsd . Retrieved from http://ptsd.about.com/od/treatment/a/PTSDtreatments.htm Williamson, E., Dutch, N. M., & Clawson, H. J. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2010). Evidence-based mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking. Retrieved from website: Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment for Victims of Human Trafficking. Retrieved from website: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/humantrafficking/mentalhealth/index.shtml Dying to leave. (2003, Sept 25). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/dying-to-leave/business-of-human-trafficking/introduction/1229/ Types of psychological treatments. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.guidetopsychology.com/txtypes.htm Read More