Our hearts go out to everyone in San Bernardino, the US, and the world following the horrific events on December 2, 2015 at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. As therapists we know the emotional and psychological devastation that follows such violent incidents and we would like to offer some words of comfort and support in the wake of this tragedy.
We need to recognize that the aftermath of such events often brings a multiplicity of feelings not only of sorrow, grief, loss, self-recrimination, and regret, but anger, rage, vengeful thoughts, and helplessness which can be both overwhelming and disorienting. These feelings are normal in this context, and it is vital at times like this that we acknowledge our understandable rage at the injustice of such acts of violence and that we express it by communicating openly and honestly with one another without judgment or condemnation, rather than acting it out in destructive behavior. We must respond with gentle understanding, both to ourselves as well is to others, by acknowledging the deep sorrow such loss evokes and by allowing ourselves and others to express the grief and confusion we feel in order to process it. This allows us to reach out to one another with love and compassion, feel connected to the web of humanity beyond our individual, cultural, and ethnic differences, know that we are not alone, and receive and give the emotional support that allows us to begin the process of healing.
We, the inland Empire Chapter of CAMFT, want to offer our services free of charge to any of the people who have directly suffered loss of a loved one or coworker from the incident at the Inland Regional Center. We will be providing both individual and group therapy to people affected by this tragedy. Please contact us at: 951-770-2030 to arrange an appointment. We are scheduling now for December 12th.
Peace and comfort to all at this time of sorrow and loss,
Inland Empire Chapter of CAMFT
