Playback Theater - For Caregivers

As I Live and Grieve®

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Kathy welcomes Erin Whalen, founder of Compassionate Coaching, for a fascinating exploration of how innovative approaches to storytelling and communication can transform the caregiving experience. Drawing from her background in professional acting, Erin reveals how Playback Theater—a unique art form where actors immediately perform the personal stories shared by audience members—creates powerful moments of catharsis and perspective for those navigating grief.
"We play back not just for the sake of playing it back. It's really a way to get to the heart of the story," Erin explains, describing how this approach helps people process complex emotions by witnessing their experiences from new angles. The conversation delves into how these performances can become touchstones in a griever's journey, with moments that resonate years later.
Beyond theatrical approaches, the episode offers practical wisdom for anyone supporting those facing end-of-life situations. Erin shares insights from her work training healthcare professionals in communication skills, emphasizing the transformative power of silence when delivering difficult news. "I am the biggest fan in the world of exceedingly long pauses," she reveals, challenging listeners to resist the urge to fill uncomfortable silences and instead create space for authentic processing.
The conversation touches on anticipatory grief—the grief experienced before a death occurs—and how caregivers often struggle with these complex emotions while still providing care. Erin's forthcoming book on this topic promises to shed light on an under-discussed aspect of the caregiving journey. Whether you're a professional caregiver, supporting a loved one through illness, or simply want to better understand how to show up for those who grieve, this episode offers both practical communication strategies and innovative approaches to processing the complex emotions that accompany loss.

To contact Erin:

Website: Compassionate Coaching

Instagram: Erin Whalen (@erin_compassionatecoaching) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: LinkedIn

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Chapters

1. Playback Theater - For Caregivers (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to As I Live and Grieve (00:00:01)

3. Introducing Erin and Compassionate Coaching (00:00:52)

4. Playback Theater: Acting Out Grief Stories (00:03:05)

5. Communication Skills for Difficult Conversations (00:11:55)

6. The Art of Silence in End-of-Life Care (00:17:23)

7. Anticipatory Grief and Resources (00:24:10)

8. Closing Thoughts and Contact Information (00:30:34)