UCHealth behavioral health clinician offers coping tips after the Boulder attack

Aurora, Colo. (June 4, 2025) – In response to the violence against Jewish community members in Boulder this week, UCHealth is offering tips to help individuals and families cope with the psychological impact of the traumatic event. This includes a technique called ‘Psychological First Aid.’ 

“Psychological First Aid is an intervention used to address emotional experiences we have following a traumatic event,” said Alyssa Henry, a UCHealth integrated behavioral health clinician. 

Henry, who is also an American Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer, says in the aftermath of a traumatic event it’s normal to feel sad, angry, frustrated, distressed and anxious. 

The five components of Psychological First Aid include: 

1. Safety: Re-establish daily routines, reassure yourself that you are safe, limit exposure to graphic or negative images or media coverage. 
2. Calm: Practice grounding techniques including breathing exercises, journaling, being in nature, listening to music. 
3. Connectedness: Reach out to trusted people, connect with peers, remind yourself you are not alone. 
4. Community: Attend vigils, community gatherings or participate in events that reinforce solidarity, check on neighbors, light candles, share meals. 
5. Hope: Know the possibility of recovery, show up for someone else. 

The attached interview also provides advice and guidance for parents on how to talk to their children in the aftermath of a traumatic event. 

To learn more about available behavioral health resources at UCHealth, visit our website. 

 

Download interview here: