How can you build rapport with clients who are grieving?

When supporting a grieving client, it is essential to acknowledge their loss, be kind to them, and allow them to express their feelings. Active listening, empathy, and affirmation are effective ways to achieve this. It is also important to view yourself as a collaborator in the client's healing process. It's crucial to refrain from bringing up oneself in the conversation and to pay attention to nonverbal clues that express compassion and kindness. By employing these techniques, one can establish a rapport with bereaved clients and assist them in their journey toward recovery. It is also important to provide the client with the resources they need to cope, such as counseling or support groups.

After acknowledging their loss and grief, do not attempt to show empathy by telling them your own stories of loss. This will backfire and minimizes their own grief and emotions thereby adding more grief.

Considero que lo fundamental está en la muestra de respeto por el dolor personal que la persona está atravesando. No podremos ponernos en su lugar ni saber hasta donde llega la profundidad de su dolor. Solo podremos ponernos al servicio; brindando herramientas para continuar trabajando y que pueda sentirse bien con los vaivenes emocionales que pudiera vivenciar durante el duelo. En este momento quizás la actividad cambie de prioridad y se re- convierta el sentido con que la persona se acerca a nosotros. Debemos respetar esto, y permitiendo que al tiempo puedan volver las cosas al curso anterior.

Building report with anyone who is grieving begins with genuine care. I express that through positive eye contact and listening with my heart. If I cry with a client, that does not lessen my professional role. Instead, it supports the griever with compassion and trust is developed. I always begin my work with them with a free consultation so they can become comfortable with me and ask me any questions about the coaching process and about my story. Knowing I have a grief story that has adjusted in a healthy healing way gives them confidence that I've been there and I know how to walk with them towards their healing.

Acknowledging a grieving client's situation is about validating their feelings and the reality of their loss. It's about creating a space where their grief is seen and honored without judgment. Use Empathetic Language. Choose words that are warm and empathetic. Phrases like "I can't imagine how hard this must be for you" or "This must be an incredibly tough time for you" can help convey your understanding. Be Present. Sometimes, the best way to acknowledge someone's situation is simply by being there. Your presence can speak volumes, showing that you are there to support them through their journey. Lastly, when they speak, listen to understand, not to respond. We call this in Grief Recovery, being "a heart with ears."

The emotions associated with grief, most commonly fear and sadness, can be surprisingly and shockingly powerful. Emotions drive behaviors that are difficult to control and can sometimes lead to undesired, unhealthy, and often ineffective outcomes. Finding healthy and effective ways to express your emotions is a key first step in your natural healing process. I encourage all grievers, every chance they get, to tell anyone and everyone who is listening, what they are thinking, what they are feeling, and to provide some context. So for example, today, I am thinking about (fill in the blank) and I am feeling (fill in the blank) due to (fill in the blank). Sharing your thoughts, emotions, and context creates an opportunity for support.

Validar las emociones como lo que son: Emociones. Y somos seres emocionales que sentimos todo el tiempo. En un proceso de duelo las emociones pueden estar más desbordadas y validarlas es la única manera de aceptarlas. Esto permitirá a la persona gestionar día a día mejor las mismas mediante el reconocimiento de cada una.

Everyone grieves differently. I have a teenage student that lost her mom to cancer. She brought in My Immortal to sing. It was heart wrenching. There were tears streaming down her face and mine, as she sang. It was helping her release her pain and I was moved by her singing and also that this was a safe space for her to express her aching soul. Music is healing in many many different ways.

Validating emotions is a crucial step in building rapport with clients who are grieving. It's about acknowledging that their feelings, whatever they may be, are completely normal and acceptable. Let them know that grief can bring a wide range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief or confusion, and that all of these are normal. Create a safe environment for them to express their feelings. This means, no judgement and no comparison. Remember that grieving people don't need to be fixed, they just need to be heard. By validating their emotions, you're helping them feel understood and supported, which is essential in fostering a trusting and compassionate relationship.

Eveyones grieving circumstances are different, therefore the style of the coach or facilitator must adapt to the client. There is no "one sized fits all" method. Learn how your client is most comfortable taking in information (Eg. Visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and also understanding how your client responds to certain things (questions or methods). Be adaptable with your client so that you build a trust, that helps to better manage the process between coach/client

I find the most important principle is to avoid any expectations. So I ask my clients what was on their mind as they anticipated our session. They always surprise me with their needs. And I am always glad I asked them before I jumped in with my agenda. I find this approach to be my best guide in meeting them where they are first, then moving them towards actions that will empower a renewal of control after the devastation of loss that pulls the rug out from under them.

Develop listening skills. A grieving person is having an experience. The experience has changed their world as they know it and it is changing them. Allow a grieving person a space to share things that will surprise you, scare you, create more questions, and perhaps even not interest you. Another person who listens makes a big difference in their healing journey. Sit with them and accept their process. Be vulnerable with them. If you don’t know what to say, it’s okay to share that. “I wish I knew just the right thing to say, but I’m not sure what you need. Thank you for telling me about yourself.” Hearing is more than taking up space. It’s leaning in to the other person. It takes courage to listen. I find that it is often enough.

I wish I kept a personal journal and spent about 10 minutes after each session in self evaluation. Maybe I will give it a try and see how that would help me improve. A casual survey with my client would also provide feed back. In addition, I think clients need to be affirmed for their courage or hard work. We all keep doing our best when we have a cheering team. As coach, I think that is one aspect my clients appreciate. Healing from loss is painful and requires hard work. If I don't affirm them, who will.

Give them space to feel, but also considering guiding them to other material that isn’t as close to their situation. Performing can be a space to release grief but we do not need to rely on it as medical therapy in all cases. That is for other professionals.

One should break the ice by being empathetic, ask questions like how did you two meet, let that person talk, listen and take mental notes sobyou can ask questions like how are you feeling right now, make suggestions like, cry scream yell play loud music talk to a friend, family members or stranger how you feel, do something that you feel like doing once it is safe and not cause harm. Talk to the person as if he or she is still with you but dont get stuck during the grieving process. After that, make new friends, do something new, try a new hobby. Draw on your inner strengths. Offer to be there when the person feel like talking. Dont project your own feelings unto the person. Let them come to their own conclusion.

One thing I have found quite helpful for myself is sending a thoughtful gift across to just let them know you care. With that, after they are done grieving, they will surely remember your presence during their down time. Afterwards you can send a subtle reminder on a new offer or new product and you can be sure they will give you a listening ear and even better, close the deal.

Here's what else to consider: Offer Consistent Support. Consistency in your support can be incredibly reassuring. Let them know you are there for them not just in the immediate aftermath of their loss but as they continue to navigate their grief journey. Remember everyone grieves differently and on their own timeline. Respect their process by not rushing them or imposing your own expectations on how they should cope. Approach each interaction with gentleness and patience. Avoid being pushy or trying to move the conversation away from their grief if they are not ready. Be Authentic. Authenticity fosters trust. Share your own experiences with grief if it feels right, but always keep the focus on their needs and feelings.

You cannot “fix it”, but you can help by: Acknowledging their loss. Expressing empathy with a genuine, sincere empathy statement such “I am so sorry for your loss or” “I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult that must be for you”. Listening to and accepting strong emotions. But; I have been through grieve several times and good assessment of the current phase of grieving will always help. In each stage the approach is different. denial… anger…. bargaining… depression…. acceptance… When the acceptance is in place, the approach is completely different.