Your client has been laid off and is struggling to find meaning in their work. What can you do to help?

2 How to express empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions and perspectives of another person. It is essential for building rapport and trust with your client. To express empathy, you need to listen actively and reflectively, using open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. These are called OARS skills, and they help you show interest, curiosity, and respect for your client's experience. For example, you might ask your client: "How do you feel about being laid off?" or "What did you enjoy most about your previous job?" You might affirm their strengths and efforts, such as: "You have been very resilient in this difficult situation." You might reflect back what they say, such as: "It sounds like you are feeling frustrated and hopeless." You might summarize their main points, such as: "So, you are feeling stuck and unsure about what to do next, but you also have some ideas and skills that you want to use in a new career."

3 How to support self-efficacy

Self-efficacy is the belief that one can achieve a desired outcome. It is a key factor for motivation and change. To support self-efficacy, you need to help your client recognize and enhance their own abilities, resources, and options. You can do this by asking them to recall past successes, identify current strengths, explore potential solutions, and set realistic and achievable goals. For example, you might ask your client: "What have you done in the past that helped you cope with a challenge?" or "What are some of the skills and qualities that you have that make you a good candidate for a new job?" You might also help them brainstorm possible actions, such as: "What are some of the steps that you can take to find a new job that matches your interests and values?" You might also encourage them to make a specific and measurable plan, such as: "What is one thing that you can do this week to move forward with your job search?"

4 How to roll with resistance

Resistance is a natural and expected reaction to change. It can manifest as denial, rationalization, defensiveness, or avoidance. It indicates that the client is not ready or willing to change, or that they perceive a gap between their current situation and their desired outcome. To roll with resistance, you need to avoid arguing, confronting, or persuading your client to change. Instead, you need to acknowledge and respect their feelings, reframe their statements, reflect their ambivalence, and emphasize their autonomy. For example, you might say: "I understand that you are feeling angry and betrayed by your former employer." or "You have a right to decide what is best for you." You might also help them see things from a different perspective, such as: "How do you think your layoff might be an opportunity for growth or change?" You might also highlight their mixed feelings, such as: "On one hand, you are comfortable with your current routine, but on the other hand, you are unhappy with your lack of fulfillment."

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?