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Grief doesn’t have a timeline, a roadmap, or a one-size-fits-all solution—and Grief is the New Normal is here to say that’s okay. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, PsyD, a seasoned psychologist and grief educator, this podcast invites listeners to dive into real conversations about what it means to live with grief, grow through it, and still show up for life. With a mix of professional insight, personal reflections, and candid interviews, each episode tackles the complexities of grief head-on, from navigating anniversaries and holidays to understanding non-death losses and everything in between. Dr. Taylor blends warmth, humor, and a no-nonsense approach to help listeners feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. Whether you’re grieving a person, a relationship, a dream, or even an identity, Grief is the New Normal offers a compassionate space to explore it all. Tune in for honest stories, practical tools, and a reminder that your grief—and how you carry it—is valid. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Grief is the New Normal: Embracing Nonlinear Grief with Polyvagal Theory In this enlightening episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor redefines the grieving process by integrating Deb Dana's polyvagal theory and the dual processing model. She challenges the traditional stage-based models of grief, presenting instead an understanding of how the nervous system—through ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states—manifests grief. Emphasizing the nonlinearity of grief, Dr. Taylor discusses the oscillation between deep emotional grief states and restorative activities, secondary losses, and grief bursts. She offers practical advice on building continuing bonds with deceased loved ones and navigating grief with compassion. The episode underscores that grief is a highly personal journey, highlighting the importance of community, acceptance, and adaptation.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Polyvagal Theory and Grief
00:54 Updating Episode Three
01:15 Understanding Grief in Society
02:14 The Nonlinear Nature of Grief
03:24 Polyvagal Theory: The Ladder of Grief States
04:11 Sympathetic State: High Alert
05:06 Dorsal Vagal State: Withdrawal
06:03 Navigating the Nervous System Ladder
07:02 Hospice Work and Grief Counseling
09:46 Navigating the Depths of Grief
09:59 The Dual Processing Model of Grief
10:39 Understanding Grief States
11:49 Secondary Losses and Grief Bursts
12:53 The Nonlinear Nature of Grief
14:51 Meaning Making and Continuing Bonds
15:49 Wrapping Up: Embracing the Grief Journey
18:20 Final Thoughts and Resources
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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.com
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Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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