Abstract

Shame and mistrust are factors that complicate a trafficking survivor’s readiness to benefit from services offered by multidisciplinary providers. Shame is understood as one of the consequences of the trafficker’s coercion. Experiences of coercion and resulting shame later complicate trust building with psychotherapists. Through case studies of psychotherapy work in a public hospital, the authors describe how trust and shame issues are worked through. The psychotherapist facilitates the survivor’s work towards restoring a sense of humanity and dignity.