RALEIGH, N.C. — September marked a grim milestone as the United State surpassed 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Experts say this is the third year in a row the country has hit a milestone before October. Licensed professional counselor Keisha Saunders-Waldron says psychotherapy can break the cycle of gun violence.
“Psychotherapy focuses on difficulties that individuals are facing,” Saunders-Waldron said. “We identify those problems and hope to change trouble, emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It’s about helping people identify their best self.”
Saunders-Waldron says psychotherapy plays an important role in mental health treatments, especially in communities plagued by gun violence.
“A person begins to understand and promote healing,” she said. “It helps skill development and reduce stigma and prevent early signs.”
Saunders-Waldron says there are three ways psychologists and counselors help address the trauma that gun violence has on a person’s mental health.
- Providing informed care where people affected by trauma get the help they need
- Building community resilience
- Crisis intervention
“The benefit of psychotherapy is that it provides healing, resilience-building and support for people in conflict situations and normal situations,” Saunders-Waldron said.
Resources can be found through the Mental Health of America, and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988.
Monday is observed as National Psychotherapy Day.