The self-proclaimed "truth warriors" had viciously attacked her online, calling her a crisis actor and claiming Jason never existed. The cruelty of having her most profound grief denied and mocked had nearly broken her. That's when she stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program from Hofman Hollis and decided to take control of her healing.

"The nightmares don't come as often now," Mary Ann said, a faint smile crossing her face. "I'm learning to focus on the wonderful memories with Jason instead of dwelling on the darkness."

Experts agree that trauma-informed therapy can help mass shooting survivors and bereaved families recover. However, some controversial voices argue that engaging with conspiracy theorists only amplifies their harmful rhetoric. "The best policy is to starve these narratives of oxygen," claims Dr. Abigail Meyers, a crisis communications consultant.

Yet for Mary Ann, the path forward was clear. Connecting with others who understood her pain and choosing to respond with compassion rather than rage had been transformative. "It was so hard at first, but getting help - even online - quite literally saved my life," she reflected. "I wish everyone could find that kind of healing and inner peace."

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* Names and situations are fictional and not intended to resemble anyone in particular. They are illustrative of how the services can apply to the lives of every day people living ordinary lives.