When Drills Become Trauma: The Hidden Cost of Active Shooter Simulations
Mar 11, 2026
About This Article
What happens in a child's brain when they believe — even for a moment — that their life is in danger?
In this Newsweek article, Dr. Abi Blakeslee, founder of Implicit Psychotherapy, is among the mental health experts speaking out about the real psychological cost of active shooter drills — and why the brain's threat response doesn't distinguish between a simulation and the real thing.
A Critical Conversation on Trauma-Informed Practice
When a masked officer burst into a Vermont high school classroom and fired simulated gunshots, students were left shaken — and the incident sparked a much-needed national conversation about whether these drills are doing more harm than good.
Dr. Abi's insight cuts to the heart of it:
"The amygdala, which is the warning center of our brain, doesn't care if it is real or if it's perceived."
That's the science of trauma, and it's exactly why this matters.
Read the Full Article on Newsweek Here
About Dr. Abi Blakeslee
Dr. Abi Blakeslee, Ph.D., MFT, SEP, CMT is a trauma psychologist, Senior Faculty at Somatic Experiencing International, and founder of Implicit Psychotherapy. Her work bridges neuroscience and somatic practice to help individuals and communities understand — and heal from — the lasting effects of trauma.
Dr. Abi Blakeslee Shares Insight with Newsweek
“Students now live with a near-constant sense of dread and concern that past generations were not burdened with”, said Dr. Abi Blakeslee, the founder of Implicit Psychotherapy.