Assignment 1: Human Trafficking
Group therapy is one of the most successful interventions for adolescents. This is because of the nature of this stage of development and the need to belong to a group. Hearing the stories of other teens and knowing that their experiences and feelings are similar is very therapeutic. Another characteristic of the adolescent stage is a short attention span, so the clinical social worker should tailor exercises that initiate and sustain discussion for adolescents.
For this Assignment, watch the “Bradley” video.
In a 2- to 3-page paper, identify two opening exercises that you might recommend for a group of adolescent girls who were victims of human trafficking.
· Describe the exercises in detail so that another social worker would be able to implement them.
· Explain ways these exercises might be effective in creating a comfortable environment for these teenage girls.
· Support your rationale with the literature. For example, what does the literature say about teenage girls who have been arrested for prostitution/human trafficking and who openly discuss their experiences?
· How do these exercises promote group cohesion and encourage these teens to talk openly?
References (use 3 or more)
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
- Chapter 7, “The Group Begins” (pp. 197–230)
- Chapter 8, “Assessment” (pp. 230-263)
Lietz, C. A. (2007). Strengths-based group practice: Three case studies. Social Work With Groups, 30(2), 73–87.
Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013a). Bradley (Episode 1) [Video file]. In Sessions. Baltimore, MD: Produ
Bradley Family Episode 1 Program Transcript
THERAPIST: First off, Tiffany, I want you to know how really glad we are that you’re here. There’s a lot that we do here that I think would be very good for you. Can I tell you about them?
TIFFANY: Sure.
THERAPIST: One of the services that I’m really excited about is the Teens First program we offer. It’s been open a little less than a year, but it’s already doing great things.
TIFFANY: What does it do?
THERAPIST: Well, it’s really the only organization of its kind. It provides treatment to women who’ve been in your type of situation. That’s the only group we treat.
TIFFANY: My situation? Why don’t you just say what you mean? I’m a whore.
THERAPIST: That’s just it, Tiffany. We don’t see you that way. Young women who’ve been arrested for prostitution, we see them as victims of human trafficking. You’re not a criminal. You’re a survivor.
TIFFANY: I don’t understand why I have to be here. I was fine where I was. I want to go back with my boyfriend.
THERAPIST: The one named Donald?
TIFFANY: Yeah.
THERAPIST: You said he was acting as your pimp. You said he bought you from someone else. Is that what a boyfriend does?
TIFFANY: I think it’s great you have all these services. But I don’t need them.
THERAPIST: Well, that’s something that I definitely want you to talk to me about over the next several weeks. The plan is for you and I to meet alone a couple times a week. And we’ll also meet in a group with some other young women like yourself.
TIFFANY: There’s no one like me.
©2013 Laureate Education, Inc. 1
THERAPIST: You’re right. There is no one like you. I just meant other young women who’ve gone through similar experiences. You also get three meals a day. They’re pretty good, actually. Healthy.
And a room to sleep in. And then there’s a case manager who will talk to you about jobs, going back to school, what you might want to do for a living. It’s really a great opportunity.
TIFFANY: I want to go to college. Design clothes.
THERAPIST: Well, that’s great. I think that sounds really, really good. So do you want to see your room?
Bradley Family Episode 1 Additional Content Attribution
MUSIC: Music by Clean Cuts
Original Art and Photography Provided By: Brian Kline and Nico Danks
