How Grooming Works And How To Spot It, with Renée Calhoun, LMFT

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A Note Before You Listen:

This episode discusses human trafficking, grooming, abuse, and trauma. It is educational and prevention-focused, guided by a licensed therapist, and is not graphic. Even so, the subject may be difficult for some listeners, especially anyone with lived experience. Please take care of yourself, and step away if you need to. If you or someone you know may be affected, in the United States you can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (call or text), and in an emergency contact your local emergency services. This episode is educational only and is not a substitute for professional or emergency help.

Human trafficking doesn’t always arrive with a threat and a locked door. Sometimes it arrives as attention, gifts, a “relationship” that takes over someone’s world, and a slow drift into secrecy and fear. We sit down with licensed therapist Renée Calhoun,LMFT whose work supports survivors and helps the rest of us understand what trauma, recovery, and dignity really look like when the story is not simple.

We talk about the biggest misconceptions that keep people blind, including the idea that trafficking only happens “somewhere else”. Renée explains how grooming works in real life, why traffickers target unmet needs, and how vulnerability can be shaped by foster care involvement, justice system contact, low self-worth, isolation, and the normal identity struggles of adolescence. We also share clear, practical warning signs parents, teachers, friends, and coworkers can look for, from sudden expensive gifts and older connections to emotional changes that resemble depression or anxiety.

Most importantly, we focus on what to do next. Renée offers a safer way to intervene: ask questions that spark reflection instead of delivering judgement that shuts someone down. We also cover trauma-informed support, why recovery is rarely linear, and how supporters can stay present without burning out. If you or someone you love is quietly recognising themselves here, you’ll hear this more than once: you are worthwhile, recovery is possible, and you deserve support.

Subscribe for more grounded mental health conversations, share this with someone who needs a clearer lens, and leave a review so more listeners can find help and hope.

Connect With the Guest:

Website: https://www.reneecalhounlmft.com
Nonprofit: Worthwhile, https://www.worthwhile.org
US National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (call or text)

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