Identification, Prevention, and Care for Sex Trafficking Survivors with Dr. Dominique Roe Sepowitz

Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight. In this episode of The Self Careapist Podcast,  Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, professor at Arizona State University and director of multiple anti-trafficking programs, stops by to speak with Lorain about about identification, prevention, and care for sex trafficking victims and survivors.Content Warning: This episode discusses human trafficking, sexual violence, and exploitation. Please listen with care.This conversation explores the full arc of identification, prevention, and trauma-informed care for human trafficking victims. From validating survivor experiences and creating prevention programs with law enforcement, to treatment models designed for healing, Dominique shares both research and real-world strategies for working with this population.You’ll learn:How to identify human trafficking victims using accurate, client-driven languagePrevention strategies involving law enforcement, housing programs, and community partnersTreatment approaches for sex trafficking victims, including the STAR Group, a CBT-based model for recoveryWhy clinicians should seek expertise beyond client sessions to avoid harmStrategies for therapist self-care and managing burnout when working with highly traumatized survivorsWhy this mattersSupporting human trafficking survivors requires more than compassion—it demands knowledge, collaboration, and trauma-informed care. By focusing on identification, prevention, and treatment, clinicians and advocates can play a critical role in helping victims reclaim safety and dignity.Resources:Gale DinesTed TalkSex Trafficking Training MaterialsListen now for expert insights on human trafficking identification, prevention, and care plus practical tools you can use to support survivors.Continuing Education: Many episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Content is relevant for continuing education across LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, NCC, NBCC, and psychology licensure.Subscribe and leave a review — it helps other therapists find the show.The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice.  With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor  in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your personal curriculum here!If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource.  See you next week!