The nation’s reaction to yesterday’s mass murder at Virginia Tech University have been understandable and predictable: lots of speculation and emotion.
One of the more predictable responses is coming from my industry. Already, I have heard therapists in the media warning us about the dangers of vicarious trauma, the trauma of anniversary dates (the eighth anniversary of the Columbine massacre is just three days away), and the trauma of compound traumas.
If the university where I teach is any indication, well-intentioned mental health professionals are coming out of the woodwork to help....
