In our work with teens, we see the devastating impacts of trauma. It doesn’t matter where the teen lives or their family of origin or even if they are male or female – if they have experienced sexual exploitation or trafficking, they are traumatized. We call this “complex trauma,” and even after the trafficking is over, the effects linger in many ways:
- struggling to trust others
- always feeling on edge or unsafe
- difficulty regulating emotions
- feeling stuck in survival mode
- shut down emotionally/withdraw from others
- struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, fear, low self-worth.
Our team is passionate about moving into the teens’ worlds and helping them process these experiences in redemptive ways. We provide a safe space where they can share openly and honestly both in individual counseling and in group therapies.
Individual Counseling
Gracehaven clinicians help teens talk through their experiences, build coping skills and work toward healing at their own pace. We are so encouraged when we see clients begin to make connections between their trauma and their emotional responses while also gaining confidence in their ability to cope and move forward.
Group Therapies
Every week, our clinician leads a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for the girls at our group home. During this time, the girls work on building tools to help them regulate their emotions, manage distress and ground themselves during overwhelming moments. The goal is to help them build practical skills they can take with them and continue using once they return to the community.
Throughout group, the girls create their own toolbox of coping skills and interventions that work best for them, including grounding techniques, mindfulness skills, emotional regulation strategies and healthy communication tools. They also complete diary cards throughout the week as homework to help them track emotions, recognize patterns, and practice using the skills outside of group.
One of the most rewarding parts of DBT Group is watching the girls begin to realize they are capable of managing difficult emotions in healthier and safer ways. For many of them, it is the first time they have had the space, support, and tools to better understand what they are feeling and how to respond to those emotions effectively.
Gracehaven’s support team is thankful to walk alongside these teens through some of their darkest moments. We consider it a privilege and joy to witness the growth, healing and resilience they develop as they do the hard work of recovery.
However, we realize that we are just part of a larger team. THANK YOU for supporting this crucial work through your gifts and prayers. Together, we are helping exploited teens learn to thrive with dignity.