You're supporting a grieving client. How do you show empathy during their time of loss?

Em momentos de perda, a escuta ativa e a presença empática são ferramentas poderosas para apoiar alguém. Trata-se de estar presente, ouvir e validar os sentimentos do outro, sem a necessidade de resolver ou minimizar sua dor.

During a loss, the most important aspect is being there for the person, allowing them to feel supported and heard. Remember, they have lost someone dear to them. The simple act of deep listening conveys that you are with them, that you care, and that you understand their space. As a psychologist and a coach, I can offer one key piece insight: "listen deeply and resist the urge to give advice". Most people who are grieving are seeking understanding and acknowledgment of their pain. They usually know how best to move forward, and if they don't, they will ask for your advice. Even if you have suffered a loss yourself, it's essential to recognise that each experience of loss is unique, and we cannot fully grasp someone else's pain.

Supporting a grieving client during a time of loss requires empathy and sensitivity. By being patient, compassionate, and supportive, I help them navigate this challenging period with dignity and hope. 👉As a freelance resume writer, I've faced this situation multiple times. 👉I start by listening attentively, allowing the client to express their emotions without interruption. 👉I acknowledge their feelings and validate their experience, saying things like, "I'm truly sorry for what you're going through." 👉I offer practical support, such as flexible deadlines or additional revisions. 👉 I focus on their strengths and achievements in the resume, aiming to rebuild their confidence.

Active listening at times of grief really involves certain key practices, which should never be lost sight of. Besides being present, having eye contact, nodding, reflecting by paraphrasing, providing verbal acknowledgements with the phrases like "I see", "That must have been really hard".. etc, we need to demonstrate our genuine feelings of empathy through our demeanor. We must really focus on listening and validating their feelings rather than judging, offering opinions or solutions. Checking in with the person later to show the constant support and concern, could really be an additional caring gesture that can be meaningfully demonstrated.

I think listening is the most important part of holding space as someone moved through grief, but if you have a shared experience and really do know how they are feeling, a statement like, “I felt lost and like life would never be the same after my mother passed. I couldn’t imagine myself ever being over the pain .” As an example, illustrates you really can understand because you went through a similar experience. When a person knows you have actually experienced what they are feeling, there becomes a sharing and phenomenon of connection. We are never alone in our painful experiences and that knowledge can be very comforting in times of loss and grief.

I listen attentively, offering them a safe space to express their feelings without judgment. I acknowledge their pain and validate their emotions, reassuring them that it's okay to grieve. I share comforting words and memories if appropriate, helping them feel connected. I provide support and remind them they're not alone in their journey.

I believe no one should cry alone. Listening to someone express their deepest sorrow is such an act of trust, it usually brings me to tears which validates their pain. Of course you can’t force it, but never hold back your emotions.

Reconocer las emociones de un cliente es un acto de empatía fundamental. Es importante comunicar que todas las emociones son válidas y que el duelo no tiene una forma “correcta”. Frases hechas y clichés pueden minimizar la experiencia del otro, por lo que es preferible evitarlas. En su lugar, el uso de un lenguaje que refleje comprensión y validación, como “Puedo ver que esto es realmente difícil para ti”, puede hacer que la persona se sienta escuchada y comprendida. Este tipo de comunicación empática puede ser un gran consuelo en momentos de dolor.

Incentivar a expressão dos sentimentos e pensamentos do cliente é crucial, pois permite que eles processem suas emoções de maneira saudável. 

En los momentos de duelo, la presencia silenciosa puede ser el refugio más reconfortante para un corazón herido. No se trata de llenar el vacío con palabras, sino de ofrecer un espacio seguro donde el dolor pueda existir sin juicio. Estar presente es un acto de amor que no necesita adornos; es la compañía en su forma más pura. A veces, un toque suave o una mirada comprensiva pueden comunicar más empatía que mil palabras. Estos gestos sutiles, cargados de humanidad, son faros de luz en la oscuridad del duelo, recordándole a la persona que no está sola. Es esencial respetar los límites de quien sufre, permitiéndole procesar su dolor a su propio ritmo.

If your client seems overwhelmed, you might gently ask, “Would it be helpful if we took a moment to breathe together?” Also, non-verbal communication can be powerful. Simple gestures like offering a tissue, making a comforting drink, or just sitting quietly with them can convey deep empathy.

After listening to the individuals grief , one must realize that empathy comes from within but the primary step to being an empathetic individual in a corporate or a non corporate set up is to Respect the process. Each process or an episode has a timelines that involves a person going through certain phases. Let them be. If your job is hiring people or even delegating work to them on any front you must be aware how temperaments are all time high in such situations and how boundaries must be respected. Similarly, the process must be respected of a person going through an episode you on the other end must always be aware that they will reach out if they want to but won't if forced to.

El duelo es una travesía personal, única e impredecible. No es un camino recto, sino más bien un laberinto de emociones que se entrelazan y cambian con el tiempo. La paciencia es esencial, tanto para el doliente como para aquellos que lo rodean. Comprender que habrá días buenos y días malos es parte de aceptar la naturaleza fluctuante del duelo. Respetar el proceso individual significa permitir que cada persona avance a su propio ritmo, sin presiones ni plazos. No hay un cronograma para el dolor, ni una fecha límite para “superar” la pérdida. Las expectativas externas solo añaden peso a una carga ya pesada.

If a client expresses frustration about not feeling better after several months, reassure them by saying, “Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. It’s okay to take all the time you need.” But be mindful of cultural differences in grieving processes. Different cultures have different mourning practices, and understanding these can help you provide more respectful and effective support.

El duelo es una experiencia profundamente personal que se manifiesta de manera única en cada individuo. No hay una fórmula mágica ni un camino predeterminado para atravesar el dolor de la pérdida. La clave está en ofrecer un apoyo empático y no invasivo, que respete los tiempos y el espacio personal del doliente. Animar a los clientes a buscar y aceptar el apoyo de otros es reconocer que la curación a menudo se encuentra en la comunidad y en las conexiones humanas. Ya sea a través de la familia, amigos o profesionales, cada fuente de apoyo es un valioso componente en el mosaico de la recuperación.

We are often tempted to try and Do something when we see someone suffering. This may come from the fact that we are uncomfortable just sitting with negative feelings. But many times, this is exactly what the other person needs. Someone who can hold space for them and let them feel, process and integrate the event they are grieving about. Trying to somehow take their burden, fix the situation, intervene in some way may be very detrimental. It might come across as an intrusion, more pressure or can generate feeling of helplessness. In this types of situations just being present and holding space for their emotions is the best help and the most empathic thing to do.

- Approach your client with respect but showing closeness and affection. - Be present. Your focus and your attitude is 100% on the client. - Be available if your client wants to vent. - If you know your client well, you can think about how you can help him/her to feel better. Listen carefully to detect his/her needs. - If you are willing to make the commitment, express that you are available for whatever is necessary. - One of the goals you can set is to prevent your client from feeling alone in the grieving process. It involves planning and tracking your interactions with your client. - Knowing the phases of grief from Elisabeth Kübler Ross helps you better understand the process your client is going through.

Many people find it confusing and challenging to navigate the appropriate ways to connect with someone who is grieving. In this uncertainty, they may unintentionally overstep boundaries by offering unsolicited advice, asking personal questions, or making insensitive remarks. It's crucial to respect professional boundaries and maintain sensitivity in such delicate situations.