therapeutic communication strategies
This short statement is an example of a therapeutic comment: “______ for your loss.”
“I am sorry for your loss.”
Writing this kind of message, instead of a preprinted card, is a meaningful way to offer condolence.
a personal letter of condolence
Health-care workers must maintain this kind of attitude—pleasant and nonjudgmental—while supporting grieving families.
a nonjudgmental attitude
This type of grieving fails to follow a normal course and leads to maladaptive coping and interference with functioning
dysfunctional grieving
This pattern of behavior, language, and practices passed down through generations shapes how people grieve.
culture
This therapeutic response validates emotions: “It is okay to be ______.”
angry
Name one household-type task the text suggests helping with to support a grieving family.
cooking a meal, babysitting, helping with phone calls, funeral arrangements, hotel arrangements, or helping organize clothes/legal responsibilities
Professionals should avoid this kind of comment: “I know how you feel,” because it assumes too much.
a nontherapeutic or minimizing comment
Name one emotional or mood-related sign of dysfunctional grief
profound continuous sadness, pessimistic expressions, irritability, anger, or bitterness
This factor often directs how individuals grieve, including rituals, prayers, and how the body is treated after death.
religious tradition
This statement invites sharing and active listening: “Would you like to talk? I will ______.”
listen
This in-person action, such as a hand on the shoulder or spoken word of comfort, helps break through numbness and isolation.
visiting the survivor in person
Instead of telling a grieving person “Don’t cry,” professionals should allow this healthy emotional behavior.
crying / expressing emotions
A person who withdraws from social interactions, neglects appearance, and can’t manage daily affairs is showing this.
signs of dysfunctional grief
Most cultures include these rituals—such as cemetery visits, prayers, or memorials—to remember loved ones and adapt to grief.
mourning or memorial rituals
This is the most important thing to do when communicating with the weeping , according to the text.
listen
Providing books, websites, or community support groups are examples of offering these to help the grieving move through the process.
resources for coping
Health-care workers are advised not to say this time-limiting phrase: “You will be okay in a ______ or so.”
“week”
Obsessing over or completely avoiding memories of the deceased is a sign of this kind of grief.
dysfunctional grief
This key skill allows health-care workers to individualize their approach based on different cultural and religious practices.
cultural competence
This type of emotional response acknowledges suffering and tries to understand it, while being motivated by love and kindness.
empathy and compassion
This type of agency can assist families with accessing bereavement support resources after a death.
hospice agency
Rather than trying to “cheer them up” or “cure” their grief, the professional’s role in condolence is to provide this kind of support to facilitate a healthy passage through grief.
supportive, dignity-preserving, empathetic presence
Thoughts like “life is not worth living without the deceased,” or actual suicide attempts, indicate the need for this level of response
professional intervention for suicidal risk
Across cultures and religions, most death and funeral rituals share these two main purposes: to bring people together to mourn and to prevent this painful state
mourning the loss and preventing isolation