How can therapy help human trafficking survivors heal from trauma?

Therapy provides a safe space for survivors to process traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy help survivors address PTSD symptoms, rebuild self-esteem, and regain control over their lives. Licensed therapists can guide survivors through healing at their own pace.

What are the psychological signs that someone might need professional support after trafficking?

Common signs include persistent nightmares, flashbacks, extreme anxiety, depression, difficulty trusting others, and emotional numbness. Survivors may also experience panic attacks, self-harm behaviors, or substance use as coping mechanisms. If these symptoms interfere with daily functioning, professional therapeutic support is recommended.

What therapeutic approaches are most effective for trafficking survivors?

Trauma-informed care is essential, with approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy showing effectiveness. These methods help survivors process trauma safely, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthy relationships. Treatment plans should be individualized based on each survivor's specific needs.

How can family members support a trafficking survivor in therapy?

Family support is crucial but should be approached carefully. Attend family therapy sessions if recommended, educate yourself about trauma responses, avoid pressuring the survivor to share details, and respect their healing timeline. Focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and encourage consistent therapy attendance while allowing the survivor to lead their recovery journey.

Can telehealth therapy be effective for trafficking survivors?

Yes, telehealth therapy can be particularly beneficial for trafficking survivors who may feel safer receiving treatment from their own environment. It eliminates transportation barriers and provides privacy that some survivors prefer. ReachLink's licensed therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and can provide effective support through secure video sessions, ensuring accessibility to specialized treatment.

Human Trafficking in America: Signs, Types, and Support

December 10, 2025

Human trafficking affects 27.6 million people globally through forced labor and sex trafficking, requiring awareness of warning signs like restricted movement and scripted responses, while licensed clinical social workers provide essential therapeutic support for survivors experiencing trauma-related depression, anxiety, and recovery challenges.

Human trafficking isn't just something that happens 'somewhere else' — it's affecting 27.6 million people globally, including right here in American communities, and recognizing the signs could help save someone's life while connecting survivors to the therapeutic healing they deserve.

A person sitting at a wooden table, engaged in a video call on a laptop, with a notepad beside them. Natural light filters in.

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Understanding Human Trafficking in America

According to the US Department of State, approximately 27.6 million people are trafficked globally at any given time. In 2010, President Barack Obama declared January to be “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” Each January, this observance continues to raise awareness and provide education about trafficking to help address this widespread human rights violation.

What constitutes human trafficking?

Human trafficking manifests in various forms that aren’t always easily recognizable. In many cases, victims may not even realize that what they’re being forced to do is unlawful. Below are some common types of human trafficking that everyone should be aware of.

Forced labor exploitation

Individuals may be physically forced or coerced into performing work against their will. This can occur across numerous industries, both legal and illicit. The International Labour Organization reports that 63% of forced labor occurs in the individual sector.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act uses an Acts, Means, and Purpose framework to define forced labor. According to the US Department of State, the “Acts element of forced labor is met when the trafficker recruits, harbors, transports, provides, or obtains a person for labor or services.” The means may include coercion, force, or fraud. Traffickers might threaten to withhold identification documents, withhold pay, report victims to immigration authorities, harm their reputation, or threaten their family. The purpose refers to the exploitation of someone for their labor or services.

Common forms of forced labor

Two prevalent types of forced labor are forced child labor and domestic servitude. Children may be placed in the custody of non-family members who exploit them for labor. These children often cannot rest or attend school due to their work obligations.

Domestic servitude involves forced labor within someone else’s home. Foreign nationals are particularly vulnerable to this abuse due to language barriers, isolation, and immigration status threats. Perpetrators typically control basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation.

Sex trafficking violations

According to the State Department, sex trafficking “encompasses the range of activities involved when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to engage in a commercial sex act or causes a child to engage in a commercial sex act.” The act, means, and purpose framework applies here as well, except for child sex trafficking, where the means element isn’t required. Sex trafficking can occur online and in various physical locations including private residences, massage parlors, and hotels.

Recognizing human trafficking indicators

Be alert to these possible signs of human trafficking:

Expressions of fear or unusual submission
Limited opportunities to speak privately with the person
Living with their employer
Multiple people crowded into tight living quarters
Responses that appear rehearsed or scripted

How to engage with potential trafficking victims

If you notice concerning signs, consider speaking with the person, but only if you can do so safely without alerting potential traffickers. When possible to speak privately, the US Department of Health & Human Services recommends asking questions such as:

Are you able to leave your job or situation if desired?
Can you come and go freely?
Have you received threats against leaving?
Have you experienced physical harm?
What are your working or living conditions like?
Where do you sleep and eat?
Do you have a proper bed or sleeping arrangement?
Have you been deprived of food, water, sleep, or medical care?
Must you request permission for basic needs like eating or using the bathroom?
Are doors and windows locked to prevent you from leaving?
Has anyone threatened your family?
Has someone taken your identification or documentation?
Is anyone forcing you to do things against your will?

If you’re uncertain whether someone is experiencing trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Therapeutic support for trafficking concerns

If you have concerns about human trafficking or abuse—whether as a survivor or as someone worried about another person—speaking with a licensed clinical social worker can be beneficial. A therapist can address questions about trafficking and help with any emotional concerns you’re experiencing, whether related to trafficking or other issues.

Telehealth options for discussing trafficking and violence

For those uncomfortable with in-person discussions about these sensitive topics, telehealth services through ReachLink offer a secure alternative. With telehealth therapy, you can connect with a licensed clinical social worker via secure video sessions from any location with internet access. ReachLink’s platform also allows you to message your therapist between sessions for additional support when needed.

Research demonstrates that telehealth therapy effectively addresses many mental health conditions. Studies show that virtual therapy can successfully treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorder—conditions that may affect those who have experienced or witnessed human trafficking or abuse. A licensed clinical social worker can help you address the root causes of your concerns, whether directly related to trafficking or not.

Takeaway

Each January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month provides an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the signs of human trafficking and prevention strategies. If you’re concerned about human trafficking or any form of abuse, connecting with a licensed clinical social worker through telehealth or in-person services can provide valuable support. Reach out today to begin your healing journey.

FAQ

How can therapy help human trafficking survivors heal from trauma?

Therapy provides a safe space for survivors to process traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy help survivors address PTSD symptoms, rebuild self-esteem, and regain control over their lives. Licensed therapists can guide survivors through healing at their own pace.
What are the psychological signs that someone might need professional support after trafficking?

Common signs include persistent nightmares, flashbacks, extreme anxiety, depression, difficulty trusting others, and emotional numbness. Survivors may also experience panic attacks, self-harm behaviors, or substance use as coping mechanisms. If these symptoms interfere with daily functioning, professional therapeutic support is recommended.
What therapeutic approaches are most effective for trafficking survivors?

Trauma-informed care is essential, with approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy showing effectiveness. These methods help survivors process trauma safely, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthy relationships. Treatment plans should be individualized based on each survivor's specific needs.
How can family members support a trafficking survivor in therapy?

Family support is crucial but should be approached carefully. Attend family therapy sessions if recommended, educate yourself about trauma responses, avoid pressuring the survivor to share details, and respect their healing timeline. Focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and encourage consistent therapy attendance while allowing the survivor to lead their recovery journey.
Can telehealth therapy be effective for trafficking survivors?

Yes, telehealth therapy can be particularly beneficial for trafficking survivors who may feel safer receiving treatment from their own environment. It eliminates transportation barriers and provides privacy that some survivors prefer. ReachLink's licensed therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and can provide effective support through secure video sessions, ensuring accessibility to specialized treatment.