When someone you care about deeply experiences a significant life challenge, such as the death of a loved one, your help and support can make a big difference to them. Here are a few things you can do to help your friend during the grieving process , as well as some things you should avoid. 

Do:

Provide a listening ear and shoulder to lean on. 

Grief is often complex, and most people who experience it are not looking for advice. Instead, they want to be able to speak freely and without judgment, no matter what they have to say or what they're feeling. Just listening to them speak can be hugely cathartic, especially if your friend is feeling guilty or confused. Provide advice if they ask, but be sure to focus on listening. 

Share memories of the person they lost. 

Many grieving people also want to share memories of the person they lost. If you have memories of your own, don't shy away from the conversation to preserve the person's feelings.Talking about the deceased is a great way to adjust to the loss and begin the healing process. 

Remember that the healing process takes time. 

It's really important to remember that every person grieves in their own way and in their own time, and there are no rules for the grieving process. 

Don't:

Rely on clichés when comforting a person. 

When it comes to grief, heartfelt messages are best. Even if you're not sure what to say or stumble over your words, your friend will appreciate the effort far more than resorting to canned clichés. When you're not sure how to proceed, acknowledge your friend's loss and offer acceptance when it comes to their complex emotions. 

Compare what's happening to your experiences. 

The focus should be on the person who just experienced a loss. While comparing experiences can be helpful in some situations, be careful that you don't take the focus away from what your friend is going through. Plus, they might not feel the comparison is apt, which can cause hurt feelings or frustration. Remember, each person handles life challenges in their own way, so comparisons are not always helpful.

Many people also benefit from counseling and life coaching when navigating grief. In Rochester, NY, Turning Point Life Coaching can help people manage many life challenges, including the loss of a loved one. Licensed psychologist Audrey Berger offers patients the benefit of more than 40 years of experience, which is accompanied by a kind and compassionate approach. In addition to individual therapy sessions, she also offers family sessions to bring loved ones closer together. Learn more about their psychotherapy services by visiting the website, or call (585) 292-0095 to schedule a session today.