In my counselling/coaching practice, I have been using a technique called ‘Neuro Relationship Therapy’ which uses a system of circles.

Recently a friend of mine made me aware of this article here, where they use the circles in response to ‘how not to say the wrong thing’ when someone is severely ill.
I have now adapted this to help supporters of grieving parents say and do what is supportive.
What do you think? Let me know in the comment section.
(Find more resources for supporters here.)

Comfort IN, dump OUT

In terms of ‘saying the right thing,’ there is a simple rule to follow: Comfort IN, dump OUT. What does this mean?
Imagine the bereaved couple in the centre of concentric circles, their closest family, siblings, grandparents in the next circle, close friends in the next, other friends and colleagues in the next, acquaintances in the next circle, etc.

The rule states that wherever you are, you offer support to the people closer in the circles and you ONLY dump (complain, cry, protest, say things like “it’s so unfair” or, if at all, use clichés like “it’s for the better”) to the people in the circles to the outside.

Comfort

Anything you do or say towards the people closer to the centre of the circle needs to be supportive or offer comfort; otherwise don’t say or do it.
Being supportive to the parents or the close family is the best you can do for all of them.

Three simplest things to say:

• I am sorry for your loss.
• I am here for you.
• I don’t know what to say; I’m at a loss for words.

Whatever you do or say, remember these things:

• Acknowledge the parents
• Listen but do not try to fix
• Encourage and give them hope
• Practice the Art of Presence.

–> Read more in the book Grieving Parents: Surviving Loss as a Couple (Chapter 12)

Dump

Dumping is anything you do or say that makes it more difficult for the parents or the people in a closer circle to the parents than you:

• excessive crying in front of them
• whine, moan, complain, compare with other losses
• make statements like “It’s unfair”, and “Why you?”
• use any clichés like, “God has a plan,” “It’s all for the better,” or “At least he didn’t have to suffer.”

Also, do NOT give advice. Even if you feel you have been where the parents have been.

Remember that it’s ok to cry or feel, “It’s unfair.”You might even talk to someone about the losses you’ve experienced, just say it to someone in your circle or further out.

Image by Nathalie Himmelrich