Help the patient identify at least one positive step they can take to respond to the situation. E mpathy - Instill hope by expressing your understanding of what the patient is going through. Reenforce the patient's plan to deal with the problem. Keep in mind that this process often takes place over several visits. It is especially important to see the patient back to assess their progress.
Feelings are facts.
MD Getting too much detail can be a real time waster. Neither you nor the patient is in a position to change what has already happened. What you can do is help the patient respond to the situation in a positive way.