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February 27, 2014
by Rosemary Fromson, MPCP, RPC, CCPCPR

Grief and Loss

February 27, 2014 04:55 by Rosemary Fromson, MPCP, RPC, CCPCPR  [About the Author]

What to do?

When a loss hits you, people are at a loss as to what to do, what to say, how to help.  If you yourself have suffered a loss what did you most need from others?  Think about how you wanted people to respond and ask yourself if that would fit in the current scenario. If you have not suffered a loss, ask yourself the same question, if it did happen what would you like from others.

Here is a list of thoughts that might be helpful:

  1. Sometimes less is more.  Don't fill in the silences; allow the silence to happen.
  2. Do share personal touch with those who are grieving.  You can: pat an arm while passing by, give a hug when it appears needed, hold their hand, sit close by, cradle them in your arms, stroke their hair.  Always checking for the appropriateness of gender, age, and time.
  3. Make yourself busy - brew tea and coffee, make sandwiches, bake, tidy the place up (there will always be people dropping by), make phone calls
  4. Let them know that you are there for them when they need you, don't force yourself on them
  5. Offer to go with them to appointments - coroner, funeral parlour, church, florist, doctor
  6. Ask if they have pictures you may look at
  7. Talk about the person that has passed and ask others for anecdotes and put a collection together
  8. Offer to do the grocery shopping
  9. Offer to prepare clothes for the service
  10. Remember crying is natural 
  11. Be silent in their anger; just validate
  12. Be there in the two weeks after the death when most others have left and gone back to their lives

The most important part is not to stop a person's process.  

Sometimes because we are uncomfortable we feel the need to use humour when someone is crying.  This actually stops their process and they will have to start again, plus they may feel that they cannot be real around you.

Validate their feelings don't try to talk them out of their feelings.  This is how they are feeling in this given moment and those feelings may change rapidly throughout a day, week, month or year.

Please don't tell a person that things will get better, or that it is time to move on.  Every person's journey into grief is unique and personal.

Make sure that you are taking care of you.  It is like a pyramid:  the griever needs support and leans on you, You need support and lean on your family and friends and they do the same on down the line.  We all have our place and role in this process.

Watch for isolation once the busyness of the service is over and people have left.  It is a fine balance between hovering and "giving space".  If you feel that the griever is slipping into depression, then suggest they talk to someone or see their family physician.

Do call your local hospice and ask for advice on how to handle things.

Above all, Take Care of your self, Be kind to yourself, and Stay Safe!

About the Author

Rosemary Fromson Rosemary Fromson, RPC, MPCC-S

I am a Clinical Supervisor and Master Practitioner of Counselling Psychology, registered with the Canadian Professional Counselling Association, the Canadian College of Professional Counselors and Psychotherapists, as well as an experienced International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I am also a speaker and facilitator. My experience includes working with families, individuals, and groups. I have many years of experience in helping others help themselves using a variety of modalities.

Office Location:
Currently On Video Platforms
Abbotsford, British Columbia
V2T 1T8
Canada
Phone: 6043029648
Contact Rosemary Fromson

Rosemary Fromson has a clinical practice in Abbotsford, BC

Professional Website: www.advicecounselling.com
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