Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-6-2026

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Counseling & Development

Abstract

In this interpretive phenomenological analysis, we interviewed 10 women to make meaning of their lived experiences of sex trafficking and mental health challenges and how relational dynamics influenced their healing and sense of self. Our analysis revealed four themes: (a) central relational paradox, which described internalized shame and mistrust due to relational ruptures as a result of trauma and inadequate trauma-informed care; (b) disconnection and disempowerment, attending to survivor protective withdrawal mechanisms and how counselor misattunement created cycles of disconnection and invalidation; (c) fluid expertise, where survivors emphasized that healing occurred when counselors embraced a collaborative, respectful stance, honoring client expertise and sharing power; and (d) growth-fostering relationship, where survivors described how growth-fostering relationships with counselors were built through strategies of connection, such as authenticity, trust, and safety that ultimately promoted healing, empowerment, and transformation. We discuss these findings in more detail and identify implications for counselor training and practice.

DOI

10.1002/jcad.70023

Rights

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License

Published Citation

Interiano-Shiverdecker, C. G., D. E.Romero, D. J.Thompson, and J. J. J. S.Harrichand. 2026. “Relational Healing: Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Their Experiences of Connection, Disconnection, and Growth.” Journal of Counseling & Development104, no. 2: 280–292. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.70023

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