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Grief is the New Normal is a podcast for anyone who has ever lost something that mattered. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist, the show brings honest, science-grounded grief education to everyday grievers and mental health professionals alike.
Most of us were never taught how to grieve. We were handed platitudes, timelines, and the message to move on. This podcast exists to replace all of that with something more useful: real information, clinical research, and conversations that actually reflect what grief looks like in real life.
Every episode covers the full spectrum of loss, not just death. Divorce, infertility, job loss, estrangement, identity loss, ambiguous loss, and disenfranchised grief all have a place here. Whether you are in the thick of it or trying to make sense of something you lost years ago, you will find episodes that meet you where you are.
Dr. Taylor brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to every conversation. Solo teaching episodes explore grief reactions, grief theory, and the STAY Framework, a clinically informed approach to grief integration developed by Dr. Taylor herself. Guest interviews feature clinicians, researchers, and advocates working at the intersection of grief, mental health, and human experience.
This is not a podcast about getting over it. It is a podcast about learning to carry it differently.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Sep 30, 2024
Sep 30, 2024
31 min
In this episode of 'Grief Is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the subject of pet loss with special guest Dr. Adam Duberstein, a clinical psychologist specializing in grief, loss, and human development. They delve into the unique aspects of grieving a pet, share insights on anticipatory grief, and explore the multi-faceted ways pet loss can impact mental health. Highlighting the importance of validating pet loss as legitimate and profound, this episode provides practical advice on navigating this type of grief, both for those experiencing it and for those supporting them. Dr. Duberstein also offers creative suggestions for memorializing pets and underscores the vital role animals play in our emotional well-being.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Today's Topic: Pet Loss
00:36 Meet Dr. Adam Duberstein
01:42 Understanding Grief and Loss
02:24 Personal Experiences with Grief
05:01 The Reality of Pet Loss
05:29 Common Misconceptions About Pet Loss
06:00 The Emotional Impact of Pet Loss
19:48 Supporting Those Grieving Pet Loss
29:52 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
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Dr. Adam Duberstein is a fully-licensed clinical psychologist who provides teletherapy to clients throughout Michigan, Vermont, Florida, and the states covered by PSYPACT. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology, which is where he also received his master's degree in clinical psychology. He also holds another master's degree in higher education and student affairs administration from The Ohio State University, and he has a bachelor's degree in English and psychology from Earlham College. Adam completed his psychology internship with Counseling and Psychological Services at Wayne State University.
Before becoming a psychologist, Adam worked as a high school English teacher, and he also worked as an academic advisor for college students. He currently is affiliated with two different Michigan-based psychological clinics: King and Associates in Farmington, MI, and Sage Tree Psychology Group in Oxford, MI.
Outside of his psychology practice, Adam is an adjunct professor at the Michigan School of Psychology, where he teaches classes on lifespan development, clinical skills, and ethics to students who are studying to be therapists. His research and teaching focus on ethical issues and problems within psychotherapy; human-animal interaction; and issues of emerging adulthood.
Adam provides clinical supervision for master's level psychotherapists, and he also does consulting work, including helping student affairs professionals to cope with burnout; assisting students with doctoral dissertations; and career coaching.
Adam is an active member of both the American Psychological Association (Divisions 5, 12, 13, 17, 29, 31, 32, and 42) and the Michigan Psychological Association.
In his free time, Adam can be found listening to music (he always welcomes music suggestions!), volunteering at his local library, or exploring hiking trails with his energetic rescue dogs.
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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.
Sep 23, 2024
Sep 23, 2024
21 min
Navigating Birthdays Through the Lens of Grief: A Reflective Journey In this special 30th episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, delves into the complex emotions surrounding birthdays in the context of grief. Sharing personal anecdotes and reflective thoughts, Dr. Taylor explores the bittersweet nature of aging when loved ones are no longer present. The episode offers insights on honoring the memory of lost loved ones, coping with societal pressures around aging, and provides self-care strategies and reflection prompts for those navigating birthdays during a season of grief.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:31 Celebrating Episode 30 and Personal Reflections
00:38 The Intersection of Grief and Birthdays
02:05 Reflecting on Aging and Loss
04:51 Navigating Birthdays After Loss
15:44 Self-Care Strategies for Birthdays and Anniversaries
19:22 Final Thoughts and Reflection Questions
20:29 Closing Remarks and Resources
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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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.
Sep 16, 2024
Sep 16, 2024
37 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor is joined by Erin Blechman to discuss deeply personal and sensitive topics, including child loss and suicide. Erin shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her son Max to suicide and her subsequent path to healing, which includes writing a book titled 'My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide' and becoming a certified grief educator. The conversation addresses powerful themes such as the stigma surrounding mental illness, the complexities of grief, and the importance of community support. Erin emphasizes the need for compassionate conversations around mental health and the transformative power of honoring loved ones through meaningful work. A must-listen for anyone dealing with grief or supporting someone through it.
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Today's Guest
00:59 Erin's Story: A Journey Through Loss
06:51 The Impact of Platitudes on Grief
13:30 The Importance of Grief Support Groups
17:50 Reconciling Identity After Loss
18:11 Visualizing Grief Over Time
18:45 Research on Grief and Child Loss
20:05 The Permanence of Change After Loss
20:50 Stages of Grief and Finding Meaning
21:27 Purpose and Mission After Loss
22:31 The Grief Community and Post-Traumatic Growth
23:54 Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health and Suicide
25:12 Complexities of Suicide and Mental Illness
30:03 Important Takeaways on Child Loss and Mental Illness
33:42 Remembering Max 35:21 Connecting with Erin Blechman
37:23 Closing Remarks and Resources
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Erin Blechman is an author, speaker, and Certified Grief Educator whose mission is to elevate the conversation around grief and loss, mental illness, and suicide.
Her book, My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, chronicles the eighteen months following the devastating loss of her own beloved son, Max to suicide after his long battle with mental illness.
She offers grief support to bereaved parents through online groups and community talks that seek to build greater understanding of mental illness, suicide, loss and grief.
Erin lives part-time in both Pittsburgh, Pa. and Naples, FL with her husband, Bill and Max’s former dog, Emmylou. Their son, Sam, and his wife, Julia, reside in Pittsburgh. My Unexpected Journey is her first book. Follow Erin on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @erin.blechman.
Link to Erin's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jjkgIBu
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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Sep 9, 2024
Sep 9, 2024
20 min
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Sep 2, 2024
Sep 2, 2024
29 min
Ellen Benezra, MACP, LMHCA is the cofounder of The Wellness Collective. As a sex-positive and pleasure-focused therapist, she is deeply passionate about helping individuals and couples cultivate healthy and fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. She believes that sexuality is an integral part of our lives, and it plays a significant role in the dynamics of our relationships.
Her career is dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of intimate relationships. She address a wide range of issues including sexual dysfunction, low libido, infidelity, communication problems, intimacy issues, and other challenges that can arise in personal relationships. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, she fosters an open and honest communication – a crucial element to developing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Learn more about her on her website at www.wellnesscollectivenw.com
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Aug 26, 2024
Aug 26, 2024
22 min
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Aug 12, 2024
Aug 12, 2024
22 min
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
24 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, interviews Shea Wingate, a licensed clinical social worker and grief coach based in Nashville. Shea shares her personal journey and professional insights into grief, discussing the impact of losing her father, sister, and mother within 13 months, which inspired her to focus her practice on supporting grievers. Together, they discuss the complexities of grieving as a young adult, the importance of communication and connection in grieving, and practical resources and strategies for both therapists and individuals experiencing loss. Tune in for a candid conversation on how to navigate grief, foster supportive relationships, and embrace the healing process.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in 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
-------------------------------------
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.
Hey! I'm Dr. Heather Taylor
I'm a griever, just like you. I've experienced life altering loss, just like you. And I decided I wanted to do something to start changing the narrative of grief because as a society, we need to do it better. There needs to be better language, better tools, better willingness to talk about our loss and not leave us feeling alone in our grief. That's where this podcast comes in. I'm a licensed psychologist and have spent the last 14 years working to understand grief, it's complexities, the different ways it can impact us and the different types of loss and how we grieve. My heart is to build community so that we can feel more connected thru this universal lived experience. I'm glad you're here.