During our grief process the movement is forward, that is the way we are wired. We can compare our grieving process to a train journey. We stop at different stages of the journey, however the grief journey at times has no end point. There is usually no final destination or a full closure. However, the bereavement process still holds hope and healing. We learn to live without that person in our life. We form different strategies and develop new skills to do so. Resilience helps. Support from friends and family helps too. We find a new narrative that helps us cope with our loss.
What do bereaved people need from us? They need our presence, a listening ear, a person to accompany them, support them. At times physical help can be very important like bringing food, taking the person out for a coffee or simply helping with housework or child-minding. Sometimes silence and presence is what the bereaved person seeks. There are really no right phrases we can use, a listening ear and an open heart are enough. And please be patient. Bereavement processes do not have an inherent time limit. Let the person grieve at their own pace. Healing comes slowly and in its own time…
Anna Catania is a counsellor with Willingness. She has had a special interest in working with clients facing intimacy and sexual difficulties and runs a service for families going through cancer and chronic illness. She can be contacted on anna@willingness.com.mt
You can visit her profile on: https://zme.tec.mybluehost.me/willingnessmt/team/anna-catania/