Pauses between thoughts allow a person to organize his successive thoughts. That time may help the mourner articulate feelings into words. Open-ended questions are a wonderful way to encourage the flow of information and feelings. Rather than asking a question which can be answered with a yes or a no, ask an all-inclusive question. This abets further exploration of a griever s emotions.
Good listeners understand reflective conversation, a technique that encourages mirroring.
For clarity and definition, the listener briefly repeats his understanding of the speaker s meaning. It is very important for a mourner to feel justified in the whirlwind of emotions they feel. A physician circumventing an undesirable outcome will compound the family s disarray. Validation by the family s physician can significantly reduce self-doubt and questioning for a mother or father. It is helpful for the physician to stress that it is never acceptable, under any circumstances, for a parent to have to bury their child.