ABSTRACT
Thus far we have focused on the “heart” and “head” dimensions of the exquisite witness grief care provider. We have had several personal awareness exercises and have reviewed social, cultural, and psychological aspects of grief, the effect of grief on family systems, unique grief and ethical issues associated with chronically ill, disabled, and dying people. This chapter will concentrate on the “hands” dimension, that is, on general guidelines and the specific skills or interventions the exquisite witness care provider can supply. The interventions fall into three categories: (a) supportive behaviors, (b) the four tasks of mourning, and (c) clinical tools. These overlapping categories of helping actions form a continuum of care for grieving people.
