Routledge Art Therapy Treatment with Sex Trafficking Survivors: Facilitating Empowerment, Recovery, and Hope

This groundbreaking book introduces and researches art therapy as a creative and effective treatment for the sensitive and pertinent issue of human sex trafficking. Rich empirical examples and best practices are provided through the contributors’ expertise and knowledge in the field of art therapy. Art therapy facilitates emotional catharsis, a personal sense of worth and empowerment through making choices; supports connection to others and the inner self; resolves trauma, grief, and shame; and provides hope for the future and recovery. This book explores art therapy interventions and outcomes through detailed case studies for sex trafficking survivors in the United States, India, and Nepal, and includes international recommendations for survivor treatment and recovery, as well as staff support programming. Professional helpers and learners from mental health, social services, medical care, and those who work with trafficking and sexual abuse survivors will benefit from this guide. Review "People who have been so deeply and repeatedly traumatized are extremely difficult to reach, and trust is very hard to achieve. In addition, such traumas leave scars that are only accessible through nonverbal means, the main reason that art therapy is a vital pathway to disorders caused by repeated assaults on the body and the psyche. Art therapists are fortunate that Mary Kometiani has decided to compile a great deal of information about this important topic, and to provide us with numerous examples of its treatment through art."Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, President, Expressive Media, Inc. "If you are looking for a resource to learn more about human trafficking and the role of art therapy with survivors, the authors of this text provide a comprehensive overview of approaches and best practices from a trauma focused, holistic, and restorative framework. This book informs practitioners about how art therapy can be a vehicle for trauma intervention, advocacy, empowerment, and hope." Gretchen M. Miller, MA, ATR-BC, ACTP, Art Therapist, Renee Jones Empowerment Center and The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Law Clinic; Adjunct Professor, Ursuline College Counseling and Art Therapy Program "This comprehensive book sheds light on one aspect of humanity's shadow. The information is not only alarming but also a call to action for the pervasive area of sex trafficking. The utilization of expressive arts for healing is well documented and most effective for the recovery of this population." Janet Rasmussen, PhD, Psychologist and Teacher, Executive Co-Chair International Expressive Arts Therapy Association "Mary Kometiani’s Art Therapy Treatment with Sex Trafficking Survivors is a holistic piece and a prime example of the restoration of personhood that art therapy can bring to a survivor’s life. The book is beautifully written to reflect the continuum of care involved in all aspects of healing and does so using a comprehensive view of sex trafficking in a global context." Celia Williamson, PhD, MSW, LSW, and Joanna Jaimes, MSW "This ground-breaking research can be applied by professionals, students and anyone committed to ending human slavery. It’s an outstanding achievement by a clear and powerful writer." Gloria Simoneaux, Founding Director, Harambee Arts: Let’s pull together (Kenya and Nepal) About the Author Mary K. Kometiani, MA, ATR-BC, LPCC, has over a decade of experience providing art therapy for survivors of sex trafficking, homeless families victimized by domestic violence, inpatient and outpatient pediatric medical patients and their families, and families of hospice patients and the bereaved. She is the owner and art therapist of Art Therapy Heals, LLC, collaborating with community organizations and educating the public about art therapy and its benefits. Since 2011, she has continuously served on the Buckeye Art Therapy Association board, including as president for two terms. She has also been a co