Able Quote by C. Everett Koop
“I might be better able to help parents of dying children, but for quite a while I felt less able, too emotionally involved. And from that time on, I could rarely discuss the death of a child without tears welling up into my eyes.”
About This Quote
The speaker acknowledges personal emotional limits when supporting grieving parents, noting that deep involvement makes discussing child death painful.
In simple terms: Emotional strain limits professional support.
Key Takeaway
Compassion can impair objectivity.
Themes
Grief
Compassion
Professional Boundaries
Emotional Labor
Empathy
Mood
Somber
Reflective
Type
Personal anecdote
Professional insight
When to use this quote
- Hospitals
- Palliative Care
- Support Groups
- Family Meetings
Key Concepts
Counseling
Child Mortality
Self‑Care
Practical Applications
- Therapist training
- Supervision protocols
Questions to Reflect On
- How can professionals balance empathy with self‑preservation?
- What strategies help maintain effectiveness when personal feelings arise?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that emotional involvement can enhance therapeutic alliance rather than hinder it.
