Individual presentation:
• Nina Cerfolio:
Voices from the Dark: What School Shooters Can Teach Us About Prevention
(60 min)

Abstract:

We are in an epidemic of school shootings in this country. Since 2018, gun violence is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 18 in the United States. Through my interviews with three school shooters — both thwarted and active — this presentation proves that such violence is preventable and rehabilitation is achievable

In the first case, we see how school violence can be prevented through simple human connection; a neighbor’s act of kindness was the literal turning point that stopped a boy from carrying out an attack. The second case examines a high school shooter who experienced a spiritual breakthrough during his high-stakes hostage crisis. His shift transformed his rage into peace, ultimately halting the escalation of the shooting. The final case demonstrates that even the most ‘desolate’ shooters are capable of profound change. After opening fire at her high school in New Jersey, this girl after serving 13 years in prison, underwent a complete transformation; today, she dedicatedly mentors marginalized youth who find themselves in the same darkness he once inhabited.

Most of these school shooters stated that if someone had listened to their cries for help and warning signs and reached out to them, their violence would have been preventable. My second and upcoming book, Mirror of Rage – How We Create School Shooters? explores these varied topics of school shootings.

Keywords: case studies, gun violence, human connection, psychohistory, psychobiography, rehabilitation, school shooters, violence prevention

Short Bio:

Dr. Nina E. Cerfolio MD, DFAPA, Associate Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is in private practice in New York City and a nationally recognized psychiatrist/ psychoanalyst specializing in mass shootings and terrorism. With over 30 years of experience, she integrates traditional psychiatry with decades of spiritual training to promote healing and mindful psychiatry. Formerly the Chief of the Psychiatric Emergency Room and Walk-in-Clinic at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, she writes and speaks on transcending emotional suffering. Featured across prominent media outlets, including The LA Times, New York Times, Washington Post, NBC, and CBS, she has been recognized for her humanitarian efforts and research contributions. Her book Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction (Taylor & Francis, 2023), explores terrorism’s roots and spiritual healing. Dr. Cerfolio has earned numerous accolades, including Castle Connolly’s Exceptional Women in Medicine and America’s Top Psychiatrist awards. Learn more at ninacerfolioMD.com.