Grief Consultation -
Wondering How to Help Someone in Grief?
At some point in your life, it's likely that one of your close relatives, friends, or coworkers will face a personal loss (a death, a critical illness of their own or of a loved one, or a life change that is significant to them). Their grief may feel difficult for you to acknowledge directly and to respond to confidently. but being able to do so is important. Grief is isolating, and you have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's grief experience. You may not be grieving yourself or need an extensive understanding of the grieving process, but getting some guidance on what you can say and do (and what to avoid) can help you feel more comfortable...and help the person who is grieving feel supported. Reach out to Jacksonville Center for Grief and Loss for a complimentary consultation and get some guidance in how to be there for someone you care about who is grieving.
What a consultation is like...
A grief consultation serves as a brief (15 minute) conversation to answer your most pressing questions about how to best to lend support to someone in grief (whether they are an employee, colleague, friend, or family member). You'll learn some things you can ask and can do. You'll learn more about what that person may be experiencing and how to treat them with respect while showing compassion. Most of the time, we apologize for a loss, but there are other ways to show support and compassion. A grief consultation will give practical guidance so that you can more confidently support someone who is grieving in a way that leaves them feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Why Learn How to Support Someone's Grief?
When you respond compassionately to someone in grief, you give them the gift of being seen and heard in their pain. This is a gift that lasts a lifetime. When you show someone in grief that you care about their struggle and that you're not going to back away (like so many well intentioned people do when faced with another's grief), it helps them feel less alone. It strengthens your relationship. Most importantly, it's simply the right thing to do.