When someone asks “what if” they are usually worried about the outcome of something they are considering doing. They may be looking for assurances that either the feared event won’t happen or that if it does, everything will somehow be okay. Although, as readers, we cannot give the assurance that the event won’t happen, we can provide understanding and empathy. More importantly, we can help our querents find hope and empowerment that they’ll need to face the situation if it actually does occur. 1. Their worry Allow the querent to talk about what they are worried may happen. Let them describe their “what if…?” scenario. Don’t judge them or tell them they are silly