170. Behind Closed Doors: Supporting Child Survivors of Sex Trafficking with Alejandro Castro Croy

Lessons from the Playroom

In this especially important episode, we shine a spotlight on the harrowing issue of child sex trafficking and explore how we can support the young survivors of this modern-day slave trade. Join Lisa for a deeply insightful conversation with Alejandro (Alex) Castro Croy, a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, and the owner/Lead Clinician of Transcending Consulting Group in Denver, Colorado.

Alex brings his extensive experience from training law enforcement professionals and collaborating with the FBI on Crimes Against Children to the discussion. Together, they delve into the complexities of working with children who have endured compounded trauma and exploitation. Alex shares his journey into this challenging field and sheds light on the often-overlooked facets of child sex trafficking, including the surprising demographics it affects and the role of social media.

Together they discuss the indicators of sex trafficking and key red flags to watch for. Alex also provides invaluable insights into the physical and behavioral signs that therapists should be aware of to help identify survivors. Learn why some clients might go AWOL or refuse treatment and how clinicians can approach these situations with sensitivity and care.

Self-care for therapists is paramount, and Alex emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, debriefing, and the PERMS model—Physical, Emotional, Relational, Mental, and Spiritual domains of self-care—while sharing various intervention techniques and stressing the importance of honoring the human side of both therapist and client.

This episode is a must-listen for therapists and anyone in the human services field. We encourage you to breathe and regulate as you listen to this important conversation, and as we navigate the challenging but essential work of supporting child survivors of sex trafficking.

Talking Points:

• Understanding the true scope and demographics of child sex trafficking.
• The impact of social media and the daytime occurrences of trafficking.
• Recognizing indicators and key red flags.
• Identifying physical and behavioral signs of child sex trafficking survivors.
• The importance of self-care for clinicians and the PERMS model.
• Various therapeutic interventions: music, play, art, somatic, and narrative therapies.
• The importance of working with the client’s protective strategies.
• Developing awareness of our own reactions as therapists to clients' trauma stories.

Join us for this so-very important conversation to better understand and support the healing journey of child sex trafficking survivors.

Additional Resources:

• For more information about Online training for introduction to Sex Trafficking: https://connect.missingkids.org/learn/learning-plans/4/introduction-to-child-sex-trafficking
• Physical and Behavioral Indicators: https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/CST-Identification-Resource.pdf
• Reporting Sex trafficking:
• Local Social services and Police department
  • Call 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678)
  • www.Cybertipline.org