A mixed methods investigation on the use of trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy with domestic minor sex trafficking victims in a secure post-adjudication facility

Sex trafficking in children is not a new problem in our country but it is on the rise and service providers must be educated and trained to provide the care that is needed for their recovery. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is seeing a consistent increase in calls related to sex trafficking of children in the United States. The trauma sex trafficking victims experience is long lasting and requires a treatment intervention that focuses on trauma education, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring and the processing of the trauma to aid in the stabilization and recovery of victims. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) was efficacious in decreasing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for adjudicated females who are victims of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), and to gain an understanding of their experiences and perceptions of participating in TF-CBT while living in a secure post-adjudication juvenile facility. I conducted a mixed method, multiple baseline single case research design (SCRD) with a concurrent phenomenological approach. A multiple baseline SCRD was used to examine the course and degree to which TF-CBT was efficacious in decreasing PTSD symptoms. This design was selected for its ability to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions with small sample sizes. Three girls who identified as Hispanic (N = 3) agreed to participate in the study. Results indicated TF-CBT was efficacious with two of the three participants in reducing PTSD symptoms. I also used a phenomenological inquiry aimed to understand DMST victim’s perception of their treatment on recovery and their lived experiences while engaging in TF-CBT living in a secure post-adjudication juvenile facility. Data sources were used to create themes: five themes emerged centered on perceptions of treatment and lived experiences of the participants. Themes included: (a) Protest, (b) Brokenness, (c) Suppression, (d) Stability, and (e) Breakthrough. The findings of this study provided insight into the experiences DMST victims have while participating in TF-CBT interventions and provided a perspective on their experiences, feelings, and thoughts while living in a secure post-adjudication facility. Future recommendations were given for counselors, counselor educators, juvenile justice administrators, and program directors working with DMST victims and survivors.