A special program at the University of Vermont is helping some of the region's refugees cope with the emotional trauma they suffered before coming to the United States.
Since it began treating emotion trauma in 2009 Connecting Cultures, run out of the psychology department at UVM, has helped hundreds of refugees.
An estimated 7,000 refugees from about two dozen countries have been resettled in Vermont. Many have suffered trauma that includes torture.
Experts say that left untreated the aftermath of torture can cause refugees to withdraw, suffer from depression and sometimes physical ailments.
Bhutanese refugee Ajuda Thapa, of Burlington, says the program has helped keep her from becoming a recluse.
The 45-year-old Thapa says she can now focus on learning English and adjusting to life in Vermont.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
