Workshop Summary: This workshop aims to explore the profound effects of mass violence on communities, families, and individuals. Recognizing the deep scars left behind, we will explore the complex dynamics of trauma and the ripple effects through various social structures. Participants will gain insights into the critical role of professional helpers in the aftermath of such incidents, examining best practices for intervention and support and common pitfalls to avoid when providing care. The workshop will also offer a wealth of resources for survivors and caregivers. We will look deeply at the concept of resilience in the context of mass violence. Here, resilience will be examined as a personal trait and a communal process that can be fostered and strengthened. Drawing on real-life experiences, the workshop will provide valuable perspectives from a hands-on leader’s point of view, working hands-on with survivors. We will embark on the journey of healing and growth, offering theoretical understanding and practical guidance for enhancing resilience within affected communities.

Learning Objectives:  Participants will…

1) Participants will be able to identify eight types of trauma that may impact mass violence victims, survivors and impacted communities.

2) Participants will be able to identify and discuss the impact of pre-existing factors that can increase one’s susceptibility to traumatic reactions.

3) Participants will be able to identify the different traumatic reactions that influence survivors, families, the community, as well as victims and the family members of the perpetrator.

4) Participants will be able to identify and describe different trauma reactions across developmental periods such as childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood.

5) Participants will be able to identify and discuss evidence-based strategies and modalities to help those impacted by mass violence to cope with their trauma response and build personal resilience.

6) Participants will be able to identify and discuss the role of victim service professionals in building resilience after mass violence incidents.

7) Participants will be able to identify the differences between trauma-focused treatments and trauma-informed resiliency.

Speaker Bio: Mark has 13 years of experience in the mental health field, working at both micro and macro levels. He currently serves as the Team Lead at the VB Strong Center, providing support, resources, and clinical insight to individuals impacted by mass violence. He possesses a unique skill set in understanding the process of recovery from mass violence/terrorism/trauma. His experience has allowed him to provide individual and family therapy. He has also worked as a community mental health specialist providing integrative therapeutic support to youth, adolescences, and families within the school and community settings for youth with at-risk behaviors or challenging environmental situations. Mark has a solid foundation in trauma treatment, Christian counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy and specializes in trauma-informed care and treatment. Mark excels in the social work process and therapeutic interventions, including information gathering, active listening, documentation, rapport building, diagnostic impressions, treatment planning, crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, therapeutic interventions, critical incident stress management, and coping skills.