Watching a friend or loved one weather a life crisis — an emotional earthquake — can shake you, too. You want to end their suffering, to fix what’s broken, to make it all go away. But the truth is, there’s no quick escape. What you can do is stand steady, offer real support, and help them find their own way forward.
This book is your guide to doing exactly that. Wolfgang Spangenberger draws on decades of experience to help you provide the kind of support that truly makes a difference — the kind that reminds your friend of their strengths, restores their momentum, and leads to lasting solutions.
Along the way, you may discover something unexpected: helping someone else through their storm can leave you stronger, clearer, and more grounded in your own life.
(See the accompanying workbook, below, too.)
Inside This Book, You’ll Find:
Why helping your friend is like scuba diving
The stages of a life crisis — and where you’ve joined their journey
How to accurately assess the challenge ahead
What “true help” really looks like (and what it doesn’t)
When to guide them toward professional help
Practical, doable steps you can take right now
What Does Helping a Person Through a Life Crisis Do To Me?
Giving your friend a safe place to talk is one of the best measures. Concentrate entirely on listening – they need a place where they can open up, unfold and tell their story without recrimination
Helping a friend through crisis is a commitment of time and energy. It also requires that you listen selflessly and that you keep silent when you would rather rush in with every solution, instead.
Look back on and talk frequently of your friend’s strengths and successes. Remind them of their strengths in good times, what they’ve created for themselves and what they have already overcome.
Don’t be disappointed! Your friend is always finally responsible for the decisions for his or her life. Don’t throw your hands up and walk away – as they progress through the phases, they will turn toward healthy solutions.
You notice they’re exhausted and you don’t know how to handle it. Be reassured-there is nothing “wrong” with your friend. A life crisis is a situation that doesn’t fall into a category of right or wrong. It can be a dramatic time for anyone – we want to prevent it from becoming traumatic.
When someone you care about is grieving or heartbroken, your presence can be more powerful than any words. You don’t have to fix their pain—just showing up with patience, compassion, and a listening heart can help them begin to heal.
You matter more than you think.
When someone you care about is in crisis, your presence, words, and actions can make the difference between feeling stuck and finding a way forward. But being “the strong one” can also leave you feeling alone, overlooked, or worn thin.
That’s why I created this 80‑page, easy‑to‑follow workbook — How to Support Someone Through a Life Crisis — to give you the tools, structure, and confidence to help without losing yourself in the process.
Inside, You’ll Learn How To:
Spot what triggers a crisis – and respond with clarity instead of panic
Navigate the 3 Stages of Mastering a Life Crisis (and know your role in each)
Check in with yourself so you don’t burn out while helping
Avoid the hidden pitfalls that drain even the most willing supporters
Help your friend reclaim power – and feel stronger yourself
Add simple structure to speed their stability and confidence
Know exactly how much to reach out when they’re pulling away
Support recovery with foods and drinks that boost balance
Reframe their negative thoughts into hopeful possibilities
Experience the unexpected rewards of being the Supporter
This isn’t just a workbook – it’s your personal guide to showing up strong, staying steady, and helping someone you care about get to the other side.
Buy on amazon
A Special Workbook to Help You Support a Friend or Loved One Experiencing a Life Crisis