World Day Against Trafficking Persons (7/30): Working with Survivors of Sexual Assault

 Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30th each year, originated as a result of a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about the heinous crime of human trafficking and its impact on vulnerable individuals worldwide. In 2013, the UN General Assembly designated this day to bring attention to the urgent need for global action to combat modern-day slavery. The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the UN's Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which aims to promote cooperation among nations in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking.

Since its inception, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has become a pivotal platform for governments and concerned citizens to advocate for stronger measures, foster international cooperation, and provide support to victims, as they strive to end this grave violation of human rights and protect the dignity and freedom of every individual.

While you may never work with someone who has been impacted by human trafficking, statistics show you’re likely to work with someone who has been impacted directly by sexual assault. When you are working with someone impacted by sexual assault, what makes a successful and affirming therapist? 

The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Check out three qualities of a therapist who works successfully with those impacted by sexual assault below.

A Therapist Who Works With Sexual Assault is Trained

A crucial quality of a great therapist specializing in sexual assault is their exceptional training and expertise in trauma-informed care. Check out four types of trainings important for therapists who plan to work with sexual assault survivors:

1. Trauma-Informed Care Training: Understanding the effects of trauma is fundamental for therapists working with sexual assault survivors. This training equips therapists with the knowledge of trauma's psychological and physiological impact, teaches trauma-sensitive approaches to therapy, and emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

2. Sexual Assault Specific Training: Specialized training focused on sexual assault is vital to grasp the unique challenges and dynamics survivors face. This training covers topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, the impact of sexual violence on survivors' mental health, the complexities of consent, and the role of power and control in sexual assault dynamics.

3. Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Training: Sexual assault survivors may be in a state of crisis or experience suicidal thoughts. Therapists must be prepared to handle such situations appropriately. Crisis intervention and suicide prevention training provide essential skills to assess and manage immediate safety concerns effectively.

4. Cultural Competency and Intersectionality Training: Sexual assault affects individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. A therapist must be culturally competent and aware of how intersecting factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status influence survivors' experiences. This training fosters sensitivity and inclusivity in therapeutic practice.

A Therapist Who Works With Sexual Assault is Empathetic

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, and it plays a pivotal role in establishing a strong therapeutic bond with survivors. A therapist who demonstrates genuine empathy can create a safe and supportive space, validating survivors' emotions and experiences without judgment. Check out four ways to improve your empathy skill today:

1. Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking without interrupting or judging. Focus on understanding their emotions and perspectives. Avoid distractions and make eye contact to show that you are engaged in the conversation.

2. Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Try to see the world from the other person's perspective. Imagine how they might be feeling in a given situation and consider the factors that influence their emotions and actions. This exercise helps broaden your understanding of their experiences and fosters empathy.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness to become more attuned to your own emotions and sensations, which in turn allows you to be more sensitive to the feelings of others. Mindfulness helps you stay present in interactions and lessens judgment, enabling you to respond with empathy.

4. Read Fiction and Stories: Reading fiction, especially narratives that delve into different characters' emotions and experiences, can be a powerful way to improve empathy. Engaging with diverse stories helps you develop a deeper understanding of various perspectives and emotions.

A Therapist Who Works With Sexual Assault is Clear on their Boundaries

Dealing with sensitive and traumatic experiences requires therapists to establish clear and appropriate boundaries to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains safe and effective. Maintaining professional boundaries involves recognizing the distinction between the therapist's role and the survivor's personal life. Check out four ways to improve your boundary-setting skills:

1. Continuing Education and Supervision: Participate in ongoing professional development and seek supervision from experienced therapists or clinical supervisors. Engaging in workshops, seminars, or case discussions focused on boundaries and ethical dilemmas can deepen your understanding and application of effective boundary-setting.

2. Self-Reflection and Awareness: Regularly reflect on your own values, beliefs, and potential triggers that may impact your ability to set and maintain boundaries. Self-awareness allows you to recognize any biases or personal issues that might influence your therapeutic decisions and interactions.

3. Consult Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct: Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and codes of conduct established by professional organizations in the mental health field. These documents provide valuable insights into best practices for maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients.

4. Role-Playing and Skill Development: Engage in role-playing exercises with colleagues or through supervision to practice setting and enforcing boundaries in different scenarios. Role-playing allows you to refine your responses to challenging situations and gain confidence in maintaining professional boundaries.

We hope this post helped you learn three traits of a therapist ready to work with sexual assault survivors and how to cultivate those three traits for yourself! At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!