Part 2: Evidence-Based Treatments for Youth Affected by School Shooting

Presenters: Stephanie F. Dailey, EdD; and Victoria 'Tori Stone, PhD, LPC

This session comprehensively addresses the urgent and multifaceted mental health challenges faced by children and youth in the aftermath of school shootings. Drawing on expert insights and a robust presentation of evidence-based treatment approaches, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of the psychological and neurological effects of trauma on young survivors. The session examines both the short- and long-term impacts, including heightened arousal, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Polyvagal theory will be integrated to elucidate how regulating the autonomic nervous system contributes to emotional stability in trauma survivors, further enhancing the session’s focus on applied techniques.

Key evidence-based interventions presented include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Impact Therapy (IT) and creative counseling techniques employing engaging, active approaches will be demonstrated to illustrate how dynamic interventions can foster recovery in trauma-affected youth. Emphasis will be placed on the critical importance of early intervention strategies to mitigate long-term psychological effects and promote healing.

The indispensable role of school counselors and mental health professionals in the early identification of trauma symptoms, the provision of initial support, and collaboration with caretakers and educators will be highlighted. The necessity of creating strong emotional connections with teachers and parents, who serve as secure bases for a child’s recovery process, and provides practical tools for establishing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive environments within schools will be emphasized. This includes approaches for engaging families in the healing process and guiding parents in managing their emotional responses while effectively supporting their children. Age-specific interventions will be introduced to help children regulate their emotions through sensory-based activities and physical movement. The session will conclude by addressing the importance of counselor self-care, offering recommendations for maintaining counselor well-being to ensure sustainability and effectiveness in practice.

Learning Objectives

Learners will identify trauma responses in children and youth by recognizing psychological, emotional, and neurophysiological reactions, including anxiety, PTSD, and heightened arousal, with an emphasis on early intervention.
Learners will apply evidence-based treatments for trauma recovery using approaches such as TF-CBT, CBITS, IT, and other innovative strategies to support children and youth.
Learners will implement supportive strategies for caregivers, including age-appropriate interventions for children, assistance with processing grief, and self-care techniques for professionals.

CE Credit: 1 NBCC Hours; 0 CRCC Hours; 1 WA Hours; 0 APT Hours; 0 NAADAC Hours; 1 NY Hours; 1 Ethics Hours

Stephanie F. Dailey, EdD

Stephanie Dailey, EdD is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a National Certified Counselor, a certified trauma professional, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Dr. Dailey is the ACA liaison to the American Red Cross disaster mental health partners, immediate past-president of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC); past-president of the Maryland Counseling Association (2015-2016); and former co-chair of the ACA Ethics Committee (2015-2016). Dr. Dailey has published and presented extensively on topics such as the ethical integration of spirituality and religion in counseling; managing counselor/client values conflicts; crisis, trauma, and disaster counseling; assessment and diagnosis; and clinical supervision

Victoria ‘Tori’ Stone, PhD, LPC

Victoria ‘Tori’ Stone, PhD, LPC, has 24 years of experience as a school counselor, counselor educator, and national presenter. As an Associate Professor and the Clinical Coordinator of the Counseling program at George Mason University, Dr. Stone trains both School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling students in counseling skills and theories, creative counseling interventions and practical, theory-based approaches to work with children, teens, and adults. Dr. Stone has delivered more than 400 presentations at the local, state, and national level on Anxiety and Depression, Trauma Informed Education, Brain Development and the Nervous System, Creativity in Counseling, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and many other related topics. She is known for her creative presentation style, humor, and approachable expertise.