Sex Trafficking & Sex Industry Exploitation (CCTS-S)

Presenters: Dr. Stephanie Thurston-Simmons and Brian Simmons

Dr. Stephanie Thurston-Simmons has been in private practice since 2000. Dr. Thurston- Simmons holds three licenses: She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and a Licensed Deregistration Specialist.

Brian Simmons has been a Licensed Peace Officer in Texas for 15 years beginning his career with the Dallas Police Department in 2000. He holds a Master Peace Officer’s License, is a Certified Field Training Officer, and a Certified Hostage Negotiator.

In addition to working domestically, Dr. Thurston-Simmons and Mr. Simmons are involved in the fight against global sex trafficking. Traveling the Mideast assisting refugees and the rescue networks designing, implementing, and overseeing a trauma treatment program for men, women, and children that have been trafficked, tortured, or recruited as soldiers.

Sex Trafficking & Sex Industry Exploitation: Understanding and Treating the Multidimensional Needs of Victims is a 18 hour certification training course designed to provide the participant with a working knowledge of the global sex trafficking trade. Clinicians will learn about the different forms of exploitation utilized to bring victims into the trade as well as how the international community is responding to fight the proliferation of this devastating abuse. Practitioners will develop a working knowledge of the traumatic elements unique to the women and children who have been exploited for profit. Through discussion, case studies, and experiential exercises, participants will gain knowledge regarding current research, theories, empirically supported treatment models and techniques, assessments, and treatment structures that minimize resistance & maximizes effectiveness. Clinicians will also learn about unique challenges related to this population and develop strategies to reduce treatment failure. 

Learning Goals/Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about the sex trafficking trade

   1. Define trafficking and related terminology

   2. Describe the breadth and scope of the problem

   3. List the types of trafficking

   4. Differentiate the facts and statistics from myths about the industry

   5. Distinguish state statutes from federal statutes

   6. Discuss current efforts to rescue victims and disrupt trafficking operations

2. Participants will learn about the people who engage in trafficking

   1. List the different types of traffickers

   2. Discuss the characteristics of traffickers

   3. Differentiate the various tactics used to obtain and contain victims

   4. Explain the impact of the Internet and social media on the industry

   5. Identify ways that pornography influences the trafficking trade

   6. List the signs of trafficking and tips for safety

3. Participants will gain an understanding of the trafficking customers

   1. Discuss the characteristics of the customer

   2. Explain the influences of pornography

   3. Describe how customers seek and obtain victims

   4. Distinguish between criminality and sexual addiction

4. Participants will learn about the victims of trafficking

   1. List the types of victims

   2. Discuss the characteristics of victims

   3. Identify victim vulnerabilities

   4. Describe trauma experiences

   5. Summarize the effects of trafficking on victims

   6. Describe the types of trauma

   7. Recognize the different trauma reactions

   8. Detail relevant family dynamics

   9. Differentiate cultural reactions among groups

   10. Explain treatment and resource limitations

       
       

5. Participants will acquire knowledge of trauma and how to effectively treat it

   1. Define trauma

   2. Explain the neurophysiology of trauma

   3. Determine the treatment limitations and barriers

   4. Discuss Trauma Informed Care

   5. Identify the different treatment models and programs

   6. Describe the treatment process

   7. Differentiate between the needs of child vs. adult victims

   8. Illustrate the difference between sex offender treatment and John programs

   9. Explain factors related to attachment and bonding in victims

   10. Distinguish between treatment resistance and treatment noncompliance

   11. Build resiliency

   12. Dissect elements of comorbidity

6. Participants will explore special issues related to working with trafficking victims

   1. Identify ways to create safety

   2. Cite tips for working with the population

   3. Discuss factors relevant to court testimony

   4. Differentiate between trafficking clients and general population clientele

   5. Analyze a therapist’s own personal biases and preconceptions toward traffic victims

   6. Assess treatment challenges

   7. Define compassion fatigue and related terminology

   8. Identify resources used to expand a clinician’s understanding of trafficking and trauma

   
   

This course meets the educational requirement for the Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Sex Trafficking (CCTSS) when applying to the Trauma Institute International (TII). For eligibility, please visit the TII website for details.

This course is not available for NBCC credit.