The Art of Comforting

We live in an increasingly virtual world in which it can be tempting to skip making that true human connection with someone in pain. Even though our thoughts might be with them we lack the confidence to reach out worrying that we will say or do the wrong thing. . In this practical step-by-step guide to what she calls the art of comforting Val Walker draws on numerous interviews with Master Comforters to guide readers in gently and gracefully breaking through the walls that those who are suffering often erect around themselves. Interviewees include inspiring individuals such as Alicia Rasin who as a victim''s advocate for the city of Richmond Virginia has devoted her life to comforting grieving families devastated by homicide gang violence and other traumatic experiences; or Patricia Ellen who as a grief counselor and outreach director at the Center for Grieving Children in Portland Maine appears on site to support and comfort children staff and parents when a school is facing a death violence or other crises. . All of us will at one time or the other be called upon to offer warmth and support to another human being who is suffering-this book will show you how to answer the call with an open heart.