Beth A. Cohen, Ph.D.
Director, UC Davis
Academic & Staff Assistance Program
May 28, 2014
How Do We Make Sense Out of
the Senseless?
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Loss of Control
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Unsafe and Unpredictable
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A Longer Healing Process
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Lifelong Scarring
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Non-linear Stages
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The Violation of the Human Relationship
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After the Shock Wears Off…
The Inherent Need for a “Just World”
The Process
BLAME!!!
 Anger
 Despair
 Fear
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Law Enforcement
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Laws (e.g., Gun, MH)
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Schools
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Government
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Limitations
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Welfare Checks
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Involuntary Holds
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Forced Medications
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Increased Anxiety
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Hyper Vigilance
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Assessing Danger
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Over Concern About Potential Violence
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Yourself and Others
Increased Workload for Violence Prevention Teams
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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
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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
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The Power of Summer
Focus on Rituals and Memorials
Considerations:
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Leadership Sensitivity
The Risk of Too Little/Too Much
Anniversaries
Lessons Learned
Trauma Awareness/ Education
Debriefings
Violence Prevention Teams
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The Healing Cycle
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Post Traumatic Growth
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Rebuilding a Solid Foundation
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For questions and consultation contact the
Academic & Staff Assistance Program
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Coordinator, John Berberet, extension 3318
For online resources review the Counseling &
Consultation web page under Employee
Services on the Human Resources website