School violence, including mass shootings and threats of violence, has become an increasingly pressing issue, with the neurological effects of fear deeply impacting families, communities, and schools. The aftermath of such trauma leads to heightened anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly for those directly involved, while others may also experience vicarious trauma. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders will learn from the experiences of a clinician who has worked with families effected by a school shooting and explore the vital role mental health therapists play in the healing process, providing essential support for children, parents, school staff, and communities. Participants will assess therapeutic interventions and how to guide families through grief counseling, crisis intervention, and long-term recovery. Additionally, participants will develop and implement a parent program, offering strategies for caregivers to support children exposed to violent experiences, while also emphasizing the importance of self-care for parents. Participants will identify practical tools to help those affected by trauma while fostering resilience and healing by examining two case studies of families affected by this type of tragedy. Attendees will apply the critical role of self-care as a therapist and engage in a guided biblical-based meditation for faith-based clinicians.
303 | Picking Up the Pieces After School Violence: Therapeutic Techniques for the Aftermath
PRESENTERS
Tricia Thornton, M.A.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Advanced
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Describe how fear and trauma from school violence, including mass shootings and threats, affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress, and how these experiences can also cause vicarious trauma in those indirectly involved.
2 Assess effective grief counseling, crisis intervention, and long-term recovery strategies to guide individuals and groups through the healing process, with a focus on therapeutic roles and best practices.
3 Develop and implement a comprehensive parent program that includes strategies to help caregivers support their children’s emotional recovery, while also prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being for parents and caregivers.