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LA Fires: Expert on 5 Things Not To Say to People Affected by Disaster
Newsweek ^ | Lucy Notarantonio

Posted on 01/11/2025 11:03:26 AM PST by AuntB

Life may never be the same for Los Angeles residents, with many losing their homes, belongings, and even family members. Hearts are bleeding across the nation as Californians endure a real-life nightmare.

During such a devastating time, many wonder how to support those affected. Newsweek reached out to Claudia Giolitti-Wright, a licensed psychotherapist, to learn what not to do when trying to help.

"When something terrible happens, people often try to look on the bright side or point out that someone else has it worse. Unfortunately, this approach isn't helpful—especially when lives have been completely turned upside down," Giolitti-Wright explained.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsweek.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; US: California
KEYWORDS: california; compassion; donoharm; shutup; they; wildfire
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People going through a traumatic event don't want to be fixed or saved, they want to be seen, heard, and validated."

Never tell a refugee that it could have been worse! That's cruel! what not to say:

Don't give unsolicited advice Don't talk about your own emotions Don't try to fix the problem Don't try to show them the "bright side" of the situation Don't go into your own personal stories or experiences when trying to show support

https://www.newsweek.com/la-fires-what-not-say-2013084

1 posted on 01/11/2025 11:03:26 AM PST by AuntB
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To: AuntB

1. “What’s cookin’?”


2 posted on 01/11/2025 11:03:58 AM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire, or both.)
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To: BenLurkin

Gotta light?


3 posted on 01/11/2025 11:04:54 AM PST by Tudorfly (All things are possible within the will of God.)
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To: AuntB

“a licensed psychotherapist” a/k/a an “expert.”


4 posted on 01/11/2025 11:06:43 AM PST by cdcdawg (Is Trump a dictator or a puppet this week? )
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To: AuntB

The good new is, I’m a new great-grandfather? Is that OK?


5 posted on 01/11/2025 11:07:33 AM PST by StAntKnee (Add your own danged sarc tag)
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To: AuntB

Its a gas baby!


6 posted on 01/11/2025 11:07:34 AM PST by Kudsman (Hey,, Democrat,,leave them kids alone!)
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To: BenLurkin

“What’s cooking”

That might at least solicit some laughter. It’s a hell of a lot kinder than the thoughtless yammering I heard when I lost everything in a wildfire.
Victims don’t need to be preached to! They know where a church is!


7 posted on 01/11/2025 11:08:24 AM PST by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: cdcdawg

Well, I could have just given you my opinion! Stop killing the messenger! She’s right.


8 posted on 01/11/2025 11:09:30 AM PST by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: BenLurkin

Got any marshmallows? I brought my own stick...


9 posted on 01/11/2025 11:11:13 AM PST by decal (They won't stop, so they'll have to be stopped)
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Why is LA more important than East Palestine, Maui, NC…


10 posted on 01/11/2025 11:11:15 AM PST by Gene Eric
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To: All

You all seem to think this is a joke. Grow up.
For a bunch of so called Christians you lack empathy.


11 posted on 01/11/2025 11:11:18 AM PST by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: Gene Eric

It’s not! Damn you people purposely miss the message!

WTH?


12 posted on 01/11/2025 11:12:12 AM PST by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: BenLurkin

4. Got a light?
5. “you have to have a sense of humor about these things”.


13 posted on 01/11/2025 11:13:16 AM PST by rottweiller_inc (Lupus urbem intravit. Fulminis ictu vultures super turrem exanimati. )
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To: StAntKnee

Too many freepers sound like Joe Biden.

I’m done here.


14 posted on 01/11/2025 11:13:18 AM PST by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: AuntB

Wildfires are relentless. Thankfully have only had to evacuate a number of times and escaped loss. Worked with victims of various types of disasters years (and years) ago. One couple plopped a charred lump of metal on the table. It was their family silver which they had raked out. It was all that was left of their lives.


15 posted on 01/11/2025 11:16:00 AM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire, or both.)
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To: AuntB

Did anyone ever notice the more who became licensed psychotherapist, the number of mental cases on LA streets exploded...Every block are mental cases to one degree or another. I used to see people arguing with telephone poles all the time in LA...But now they’re just down right violent.


16 posted on 01/11/2025 11:16:48 AM PST by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: BenLurkin
Songs not to play when they are taking refuge in your home:

1. Let me stand next to your fire - Jimi Hendrix

2. Burn - Deep Purple

3. Light my Fire- The Doors

17 posted on 01/11/2025 11:17:26 AM PST by Right Brother
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To: Right Brother

California - Wax (at least the video)


18 posted on 01/11/2025 11:18:04 AM PST by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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To: Gene Eric

LA is at the back of the line until it’s corrupt government changes.No help For You.


19 posted on 01/11/2025 11:18:45 AM PST by cnsmom
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To: Right Brother

4. Burning down the house - Talking Heads


20 posted on 01/11/2025 11:18:54 AM PST by Right Brother
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