Photo of Kara DeLeonardis Kraus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 05404, VT
Kara DeLeonardis Kraus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Winooski, VT 05404  (Online Only)
As a clinical social worker, I believe that we all have unique strengths and capacities to face the challenges in our lives. I work with my clients in a collaborative, empowering way. Through the therapy process, solutions and plans to move forward reveal themselves, as you grow more confident in your strengths, intuition and your vision for your life. Working with the stories and thoughts we carry about ourselves and the world, we work to create new ideas, beliefs and behaviors that will lead to a more fulfilling life.
As a clinical social worker, I believe that we all have unique strengths and capacities to face the challenges in our lives. I work with my clients in a collaborative, empowering way. Through the therapy process, solutions and plans to move forward reveal themselves, as you grow more confident in your strengths, intuition and your vision for your life. Working with the stories and thoughts we carry about ourselves and the world, we work to create new ideas, beliefs and behaviors that will lead to a more fulfilling life.
(802) 359-7232 View (802) 359-7232
Photo of Aaron Wells, Registered Psychotherapist in 05404, VT
Aaron Wells
Registered Psychotherapist, MFA, MA
Verified Verified
Winooski, VT 05404
We could all benefit from support at times. Someone who is willing to listen. Someone to provide an outside perspective. We can work together to help you stay connected to your positive parenting skills, your need to find calm or perhaps work through a past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. Wherever you are, connect with someone who provides encouragement and perspective. Children and families are welcome! We live in an ever changing world. Let's do something to help strengthen our foundation...for life!
We could all benefit from support at times. Someone who is willing to listen. Someone to provide an outside perspective. We can work together to help you stay connected to your positive parenting skills, your need to find calm or perhaps work through a past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. Wherever you are, connect with someone who provides encouragement and perspective. Children and families are welcome! We live in an ever changing world. Let's do something to help strengthen our foundation...for life!
(802) 636-9138 View (802) 636-9138
Sexual Abuse Therapists

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.