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Mass Shootings

Student’s name

Institution affiliation

Course

Instructor’s name

Date
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Mass Shootings

How are you feeling about these mass shootings?

I am deeply saddened by the mass shooting incidents that are becoming more frequent in

various parts of the world. These incidents are senseless and tragic, and losing innocent lives is

always painful. It is disheartening to see that even schools, churches, and other places where

people used to feel safe are now targeted by such heinous acts of violence. The frequency and the

magnitude of these incidents make me feel afraid and anxious about the safety of my family and

loved ones. It also makes me question the effectiveness of measures to prevent such occurrences.

How did you feel when you heard about the shooting that occurred today (Monday, March

27)?

When I heard about the shooting on Monday, March 27th, I was shocked and saddened.

The news was of three nine-year-old children and three adults killed by a transgender female

attacker at a Nashville school (Alexander, 2023). This was heartbreaking. The victims, including

the students and teachers who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence, deserve to be

remembered and mourned. The fact that the attacker had attended the same Christian school and

had a hand-drawn map of the school raises questions about the safety measures in place and how

effective they are in preventing such incidents.

How would you counsel your client?

I would counsel my client by acknowledging their fears and concerns in this case. I

would validate their feelings and reassure them that their concerns are valid. It is normal to feel

anxious and worried in such situations. I would encourage them to express their thoughts and

feelings openly and offer them coping strategies to deal with their fears. I would also encourage
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them to seek support from their loved ones and the community. In addition, I would suggest

proactive ways to ensure their safety, such as avoiding areas with a high risk of violence, being

vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and reporting suspicious activity.

What type of mental health issue(s) could someone have that becomes paralyzed with fear?

Paralyzing fear is a symptom of various mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders,

panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias. Individuals who have

experienced or witnessed traumatic events, such as mass shootings, may develop PTSD, a

disorder characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, avoidance of triggers, negative

moods and feelings, and hyperarousal (Spinuzzi, 2022). These individuals may also develop

anxiety disorders or phobias that can interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life.

Treatment options for these mental health issues may include therapy, medication, and other

interventions.
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References

Alexander, H. (2023). PICTURED: Girl, 9, killed alongside two schoolmates by transgender

shooter at Nashville Christian school, as head of school, 60, custodian and woman, both

61, are named as remaining victims. Associated Newspapers Ltd.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11908753/Nashville-school-shooting-victims-

identified.html

Spinuzzi, A. (2022). Mass Shootings and Trauma: A Qualitative Study on How Survivor

Perception Affects Trauma Response (Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of

Professional Psychology).

https://search.proquest.com/openview/2fa574db0e60168de83d2046c6938b1f/1?pq-

origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y