With sensitivity, empathy and, above all, a lot of listening, Gabriele Männer from Reichersbeuern wants to help people through a difficult time in life.
She offers support as a grief counselor.
Reichersbeuern
- Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is a long way to go.
How long you need for this path is different for everyone.
Often, however, mourners experience that those around them expect normality from them after a certain time, but that they are not yet ready.
Since you don't want to be a burden to anyone, especially in your family and friends, many no longer talk about their loss and bury their feelings.
But some are also alone and have no one to share their grief with.
Grief counselor Gabriele Männer has a lot of experience with exceptional situations
Gabriele Männer from Reichersbeuern knows this all too well and with her free offer she wants to reach out to everyone who would like to be accompanied and someone to contact in these difficult times.
Men recently completed a grief counseling training course at the Catholic Women's Association and offers their help to anyone who needs an open ear.
This is one-on-one support that can be designed individually.
Conversations on the phone, at home or on a walk to the grave
The 67-year-old has a lot of experience with exceptional situations: for many years she has been active both in the Christophorus Hospice Association and in the crisis intervention team of the BRK.
She knows that the important thing is not to shower someone with wise advice, but to engage with the other.
“Never urgent or judgmental, it is rather empathic listening, careful sensing of the situation.
Everyone deals with it differently, so you need a lot of sensitivity, "says Men.
She offers the calls over the phone, but also in person.
“Some find it easier when they have no eye contact, for others this is precisely what is important.” If so desired, she comes into the home environment for this.
But it can also be spoken in a neutral environment, for example in the area of the parish or on a walk together or when visiting the grave.
"Here you have to feel intuitively what the other person is doing best and maybe also make suggestions." Sometimes it takes several meetings.
“That is also possible.
I call it 'getting into the story through storytelling,' ”she says.
"Often a few detours are simply necessary to get to the core."
Personal concern to help other people in difficult times
She is aware that it takes courage to come forward, as by taking this step one admits to need help.
“This is not easy for many,” is her experience.
Even if the grief phase has lasted for a long time, those affected should not be afraid.
“Some can only open up after years.
The bereavement support is completely independent of the period. "
Gabriele Männer has also been involved in the parish council for many years, where she takes care of charitable issues and works as a senior representative.
Through her voluntary work, she wants to give something back to the people and the community.
It is a personal concern of hers to help others in difficult times.
Grief counseling regardless of religious background
Of course, she emphasizes, all conversations are subject to absolute discretion and confidentiality.
A church background is also not important for the talks accompanying the grief.
Through her work in the hospice association and in crisis intervention, she has also learned how important it is not to take things home with you.
The basic principle of their grief counseling: "Empathize, but not pity."
Grief counseling
Free funeral talks in Reichersbeuern and Greiling with Gabriele Männer are possible on 0176/62594052.
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