Greenwood’s Coffeehouse Five hosting mental health event for those affected by mall shooting

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — Coffeehouse Five, a Greenwood coffee shop that offers mental health support and counseling services to the community, will host a free event Friday evening to help those affected by Sunday’s mass shooting at Greenwood Park Mall.

Local psychotherapist Christine Turo-Shields, LCSW, LCAC, will be at the coffeehouse to provide support, tools, and resources to those who might be struggling with mental health issues.

Turo-Shields has over three decades of experience and has provided support following similar events, including the Richmond Hills explosion and the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.

After a tragic or traumatic event, people sometimes need help understanding its impact, according to Turo-Shields.

“I use the description of, ‘If this boulder lands in a lake and you’re in close proximity, you may capsize and not recognize the impact that it had.’ Additionally, people who may not be in close proximity, who may not have been at the mall, but who have had a history of trauma or had a history of mental health issues, may also feel upended,” Turo-Shields said.

Anyone, even those who don’t think the shooting has had an impact on them, is welcome at Coffeehouse Five.

“I really believe that some people don’t understand the impact that it has on them, especially if they weren’t in close proximity. But when we have a mass shooting or a critical event, it gives an opportunity for people to come together in a communal healing experience. Recognizing and remembering that we are not alone in this and there there are people to support you…the support that comes from solidarity is really powerful.”

The two-hour event begins at 6 p.m. at Coffeehouse Five on Market Plaza in Greenwood. The coffee shop will not offer barista service, but free coffee and water will be provided.

Anyone interested in attending the event is asked to register online.