In moments of crisis or grief, well-meaning support can sometimes miss the mark—or even cause harm. In this blog post, I explore Ring Theory, a framework developed by psychologist Dr. Susan Silk to help us offer care without centering ourselves. At its core: comfort in, dump out. Using concentric circles, Ring Theory helps us identify our role in someone else’s crisis and guides us toward more compassionate, appropriate support. Whether you’re grieving or walking alongside someone who is, this model offers a simple, powerful reminder: empathy flows best when we’re clear on where we stand.

Cumulative Grief may occur when an individual, experiences multiple losses either all at once or before processing an earlier loss.

Hospice is an often misunderstood model of care. Here’s a place to start in building understanding.