This course builds on the foundation learned in Bridges Not Walls: Communicating With Those Who Are Grieving. You must complete that course before participating in this one.
In this course we will learn about what to say, what not to say, what to do, and what not to do at a time of bereavement. You’ll be more likely to reach out if you know what to say. Yes, helping a hurting person can be a bit scary. So if we have the desire to reach out and help, why do we hesitate? Because we grapple with the questions like “What do I say?” “What do I do?” “What should I avoid?” We want to do the right thing and say what will help, but we’re not sure what will accomplish that.
That’s where this course comes in. It will offer the knowledge, wisdom, and resources you need to confidently and competently help family, friends, and acquaintances when they need comfort and support.
Before becoming significantly involved in helping others, you need to be aware of a problem that none of us are immune to. It has different names, including compassion fatigue, helper shutdown, or helper burnout, and it can happen to doctors, nurses, counselors, First Responders, and anyone involved in helping others. You become emotionally drained by caring to much. It’s stress from wanting to help another person.
Students are required to have a copy of What to Say When You Don’t Know What To Say, by H. Norman Wright, for this course.