by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

 

Tenet One:

Companioning is about being present to another person’s pain; it is not about taking away the pain.

 

Tenet Two:

Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being’ it is not about thinking you are responsible for finding the way out.

 

Tenet Three:

Companioning is about honoring the spirit; it is not about analyzing with the head.

 

Tenet Four:

Companioning is about listening with the heart’ it is not about analyzing with the head.

 

Tenet Five:

Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggles of others; it is not about judging or directing these struggles.

 

Tenet Six:

Companioning is about walking alongside; it is not about leading.

 

Tenet Seven:

Companioning is about discovering the gifts of sacred silence; it does not mean filling up every moment with words.

 

Tenet Eight:

Companioning is about being still; it is not about frantic movement forward.

 

Tenet Nine:

Companioning is about respecting disorder and confusion it is not about imposing order and logic.

 

Tenet Ten:

Companioning is about learning from others; it is not about teaching them.

 

Tenet Eleven:

Companioning is about compassionate curiosity; it is not about expertise.

 

Accompanying Poster: “Tenets of Companioning Poster”

Read the Book: “Companioning the Bereaved”