How to Respond to People in Pain

Here is a tool I created for responding to people in pain (applies to pain that is anatomical, emotional, social, and spiritual):

C.A.R.E.

C – Compassionately acknowledge

reflect back that you "get" they are in pain e.g. "That must be really hard"

A – Affirm

show empathy and understanding e.g. "It is reasonable you are experiencing this fear"

R - Reassure

validate the person's experience e.g. "I can tell you are really struggling" or "Those feelings are legitimate" or simply "I believe you"

E – Establish support/next steps

this can be a hug (ask first), simply making eye contact and/or listening, telling someone you will keep good thoughts for them, asking the person if they want a check in call later on, or even additional support such as help in creating an action plan.Do you have specific ways you like (and do not like) to be responded to when you are in pain? I'd love to hear in the comments!

copyright: Maayan Simon, 2017