Design For Life

What’s the best way to support a grieving friend?

This week, hypnotherapist Fiona Brennan guides a reader who worries her lack of personal bereavement leaves her ill equipped to help others who have lost loved ones

The skill of active listening is about creating a safe space full of compassion, understanding and non-judgment

Dear Expert,

I’m looking for help in supporting people who are close to me through the grieving process. I have reached the age when people around me are dying. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve lost very few people close to me, but lots of my friends have lost parents, partners, and in some cases children.

I always feel totally useless when this happens. I used to simply give them lots of space and stay ...