Relational Healing: Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Their Experiences of Connection, Disconnection, and Growth

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.