“Un duelo es como un amigo que llega a instalarse al lado tuyo” (Bereavement is like a friend coming to settle next to you), says clinical psychologist and thanatology specialist Betty Coppola.

In this listening practice for intermediate and advanced Spanish learners, Betty, a Mexican-born resident of Houston, explains the stages of grief and loss.

Identify in the talk which of these phrases bring comfort and which ones we should avoid when facing a person who is grieving:

– “Todo va estar bien”

– “La pérdida trae un mensaje para ti, y tienes que descubrirlo”

– “No fue tu culpa”

– “Ya no llores, te vas a enfermar”

Listen to the specialist’s opinion and put your Spanish into practice: we invite you to chat with your family and friends about the subject.