Beth A. Cohen, Ph.D. Director, UC Davis Academic & Staff Assistance Program May 28, 2014
How Do We Make Sense Out of the Senseless?
Loss of Control Unsafe and Unpredictable A Longer Healing Process Lifelong Scarring Non-linear Stages The Violation of the Human Relationship
After the Shock Wears Off… The Inherent Need for a “Just World” The Process BLAME!!! Anger Despair Fear
Law Enforcement Laws (e.g., Gun, MH ) Schools Government
Limitations Welfare Checks Involuntary Holds Forced Medications
Increased Anxiety Hyper Vigilance Assessing Danger Over Concern About Potential Violence Yourself and Others Increased Workload for Violence Prevention Teams
Threatening/Disruptive/Violent Behavior Substance Abuse Irrational or Bizarre Behavior/Paranoia Fascination/Owns Weapons/Violence History Situational Factors (Personal and Professional) Emotional Instability Defiance/Demanding/Intimidating Threats to Harm Self, Others, Property Others Express FEAR and Concern
Will Be Emotionally Overwhelmed Will Have Expansive Reactions Demographic: Survivors/Close to the Victims With Recent Losses History of Trauma and Violation Experienced a Prior Tragedy Can’t Get Past the “Illusion of Safety Being Broken” First Responders = Law Enforcement/Emergency
The Power of Summer Focus on Rituals and Memorials Considerations: Leadership Sensitivity The Risk of Too Little/Too Much Anniversaries Lessons Learned Trauma Awareness/ Education Debriefings Violence Prevention Teams
The Healing Cycle Post Traumatic Growth Rebuilding a Solid Foundation
For questions and consultation contact the Academic & Staff Assistance Program Academic & Staff Assistance Program Coordinator, John Berberet, extension 3318 For online resources review the Counseling & Consultation web page under Employee Services on the Human Resources websiteCounseling & Consultation