5 Things Not to Say to Someone Affected by the LA Fires

As mental health professionals, our hearts go out to all those impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Experiencing such a traumatic event can leave deep emotional wounds, and finding the right words to comfort someone can feel challenging (if not impossible!).

Recently, I had the privilege of contributing to an article for Newsweek titled: "LA Fires: Expert on 5 Things Not To Say to People Affected by Disaster." The goal was to offer practical, and compassionate guidance on how we can better support those navigating the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

In times of crisis, even the most well-meaning words can unintentionally cause pain to those we care about. In this article, I share insights and practical communication tools to help us approach these moments with more mindfulness and awareness. It’s about expressing our support in ways that truly resonate, showing up with empathy and care rather than rushing to fix things or offer solutions which might leave others feeling isolated or misunderstood.

If you'd like to read the article, you can find it here. My hope is that it serves as a resource for anyone who wants to be a source of comfort and strength for others during their time of need.

Let’s continue to support one another with kindness and compassion. If you or someone you know is struggling to process the emotional impact of the fires, or any traumatic event, please know you are not alone and help is available.

If you would like to be in touch or learn about more resources, fill out the form below.

We are stronger together! ❤️💪🏼

Warmly,

Claudia Giolitti-Wright, LMFT

Founder of Psychotherapy for Young Women