Without a doubt, research demonstrates that depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are predominant mental health issues faced by human trafficking survivors. However, it is very important that we do not miss the signs of other mental health disorders that were either previously being treated or lingered in the shadows, only to be brought to the forefront by trauma.
SPEAKER BIO:
Dr. Tracy Gibson is the founder and Executive Director of Fresh Start Life Recovery & Transitional Program. FSLR&TP is a Spirit-led nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health support and counseling to women with little and no income; and restorative care/transitional housing to women who have experienced human trafficking, and/or are leaving prostitution and/or the adult entertainment industry.
Dr. Gibson is a licensed social worker specializing in mental illness and trauma-informed care. Dr. Gibson has over 20 years of social service, ministry, counseling, domestic violence advocacy, and non-profit management experience. Dr. Gibson began counseling with the Department of Defense in the Family Advocacy Program, working with spousal and child abuse victims. Dr. Gibson is also a proud veteran of the United States Army and has worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a counselor for our nation’s disabled veterans.
While working as the Senior Director of Women and Children’s Ministries at Downtown Rescue Mission in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Gibson developed several successful empowerment programs that became the foundation for their nine and twelve month recovery and transitional programs. While employed with the Alabama State Office of Human Resources, Dr. Gibson was instrumental in assisting both CPS and APS clients who were abused both physically and sexually.
For the past four years Dr. Gibson has volunteered with Crisis Services of North Alabama as a first responding sexual assault advocate, providing clients with immediate trauma support. Dr. Gibson also currently serves as an adjunct social work professor with Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, AL.
