Health & Human Services, Enrichment, and Business and Management Enrichment Health and Human Services Business & Management

The Art of Comforting for Professionals

In this 3-hour course, we learn the practical wisdom of comforting people in distress. We explore ways of being present with those who are not yet ready for answers, remedies, or advice, but might appreciate our offer of comfort. We gain insight into how grief affects not only the bereaved, but anyone facing loss, illness or hardship (including economic hardship). We examine how we can realistically provide supportive listening, patience, and warmth even in hectic workplace settings and within tight schedules.

Designed to inspire professional and family caregivers alike, this course offers brief, effective ways to bring forth our natural comforting abilities. Listening, supporting and calming are at the heart of comforting, and will be a major focus of the training. In this program, we will:

  • Expand our understanding of how to be comforting on the job with those we serve
  • Appreciate the importance of how grief affects people facing loss or hardship
  • Increase awareness of myths and misconceptions about comforting (what to say, what not to say)
  • Deepen our practices of active listening and nonverbal communication
  • Learn how to give difficult news and how to say difficult things
  • Examine multicultural and gender issues about comforting grieving people
  • Find ways for creating safe places for privacy and comfort in workplace settings

Discuss, problem-solve, and share stories about comforting in action.

Val Walker, M.S., has facilitated grief support groups as well as groups for coping with illness and major life changes for 17 years. Previously a rehabilitation counselor, she now writes and speaks about comforting people through loss and transition, and develops training programs for counselors, healthcare and pastoral care providers, human resources managers, and family caregivers. She is the author of The Art of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress (Penguin, 2010). Her articles and interviews about comforting have appeared in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Time, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Marie Claire, AARP Bulletin, and Whole Living Magazine. She has been a guest on radio programs such as the Unexpected Caregiver in Minnesota, The Positive Parenting Show, The Bill Moller show in Chicago, AARP Prime Time nationwide, and NPR affiliates including All Sides with Ann Fisher in Ohio, and The Jefferson Exchange in Oregon.


Thursday, April 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration has ended. Please browse courses for future offerings of this course.

$75 (3 contact hours/ 0.3 CEUs)
Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, USM Portland campus