Young people are often acutely attuned to a practitioner’s capacity to ‘tolerate’ their story. Practitioners may need to confirm that they are professionals who are willing to listen and provide support for a young person. This can be achieved by

  • Being honest and genuine
  • Being clear about what you can and can’t do
  • Be aware of personal and professional limitations and supports
  • Resisting the temptations to ‘make things better’ in the face of grief

Listening and witnessing experiences of grief can be difficult and distressing for practitioners and requires reflection and appropriate levels of personal professional and organisational support.