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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
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Why Postpartum Isn't All Bliss: Unpacking the Grief No One Warns You About with Hannah Carlsrud, LMHCA
In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor, a psychologist and grief specialist, engages in a profound discussion with Hannah Carlsrud, LMHCA, regarding the multifaceted experiences of postpartum life. They delve into the emotional challenges of transitioning into motherhood, such as the loss of one's pre-baby identity and the subsequent impact on personal and familial relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, therapy, and, when necessary, medication in navigating these changes. The episode also addresses societal misconceptions and the gaps in postpartum care, underscoring the necessity for extended and holistic support for new mothers. With insights on managing postpartum grief, balancing self-care, and fostering healthy relationships, this discussion provides essential perspectives and practical advice for both new mothers and those who support them.
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Motherhood
00:30 Meet Hannah Carlsrud: Specializing in Peripartum and Postpartum
02:00 Understanding Postpartum Grief
05:37 Impact of Postpartum Grief on Relationships
12:19 Persistent Postpartum Challenges and Support Strategies
16:19 Exploring Therapy and Support Systems
16:36 Medication Management and Societal Challenges
17:52 Postpartum Care and Societal Expectations
20:05 Impact of COVID-19 on Postpartum Support
21:05 Grieving the Pre-Motherhood Self
24:06 Navigating Relationship Changes Post-Baby
26:31 Key Takeaways for Postpartum Grief
28:07 Therapy Offerings and How to Connect
30:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Hannah is the owner of Carlsrud Psychological Services and provides therapy for individuals and couples, specializing in the perinatal time (from fertility issues to postpartum, and parenting). She integrates EMDR as a trauma treatment approach and offers weekly therapy as well as therapy intensives in her practice.
Hannah Carlsrud, M.A., LMHCA
Owner at Carlsrud Psychological Services
hello@carlsrudpsychologicalservices.com
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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
We have our upcoming Grief and the Holidays webinar on November 14th! Be sure to sign up or share with someone who may need extra support this upcoming holiday season. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grief-the-holidays-virtual-webinar-tickets-1048206051517?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile
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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.
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
-------------------------------------
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.
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief psychologist, is joined by Rebekah Thompson, her former doctoral student, who shares her personal and professional journey through infant loss. With the upcoming Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day on October 15th, Rebekah offers insights into understanding and honoring this often misunderstood type of grief. They discuss the importance of community support, the complexity of emotions associated with losing a child, and how society can become more inclusive and compassionate towards grieving parents. Practical strategies for navigating milestones and providing tangible support to those experiencing loss are also shared. Listeners are encouraged to participate in events like the wave of light and reflect on personal ways to memorialize lost ones. Light a candle on October 15th at 7pm your time and join the wave of light around the world.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Meet Rebekah Thompson: A Journey Through Grief
01:45 Rebekah's Personal Story of Infant Loss
04:44 Understanding the Emotions of Infant Loss
07:07 Shifting the Narrative Around Infant Loss
11:10 Supporting Grieving Parents: Practical Advice
21:11 Memorializing and Honoring Lost Infants
25:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
26:53 Conclusion and Resources
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Rebekah Thompson received her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University in 2022 and became a licensed mental health counseling associate the same year. She is currently finishing her last year of clinical training for her Doctorate. Bekah enjoys working collaboratively with individuals and couples from a client/person-centered lens, while utilizing interventions from various therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, strengths-based and positive psychology).
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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
-------------------------------------
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.
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor is joined by Dr. Julie Bindeman, an expert in reproductive psychology, to discuss the intricate relationship between grief and reproductive health. Dr. Bindeman shares her personal journey and professional insights into reproductive psychology, highlighting the different ways grief manifests in this field. They explore the notion of prospective losses associated with reproductive challenges, including miscarriage, assisted reproductive technology, and postpartum issues. The conversation details the importance of validating language, supportive strategies for those experiencing these losses, and the impact of societal minimization on personal grief. Dr. Bindeman also introduces her new textbook on abortion care, providing a resource for mental health clinicians. The episode underscores the need for community and understanding in managing these disenfranchised grief experiences and offers practical advice on supporting individuals through their unique grief journeys.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:26 Meet Julie Bindeman, PsyD
01:24 Julie's Journey into Reproductive Psychology
02:28 Personal Experiences with Reproductive Challenges
06:49 Understanding Grief in Reproductive Health
16:37 Support Strategies for Reproductive Loss
25:10 Validating Language and Support
31:33 Julie's Book and Final Thoughts
33:37 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Dr. Julie Bindeman, PsyD is a PsyPact, reproductive psychologist based out of Maryland.
I have experience working with a variety of areas of concern, including reproductive challenges (infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and post-partum issues), depression, anxiety, self-image, body image, adjustments, and issues around life transitions. For over 15 years, I have worked with adults who are emerging within their identity as parents. I view effective therapy as a collaborative effort and continually seek out feedback as to how treatment is progressing. Since I believe that there is a strong connection between body and mind, I incorporate mind/body integration techniques, such as EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing), which can relieve the stress and anxiety, particularly held onto with trauma.
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with those needing to use a third-party to build their family. I enjoy working in consultation with intended parents (seeking out an egg, sperm, or embryo donor as well as a gestational carrier) and I also provide evaluations for donors (direct and indirect) as well as potential gestational carriers.
- Doctorate from George Washington University
- Internship at Loyola University’s Counseling Center
- Member of: APA, MPA, ASRM, MHPG, Resolve, PLIDA, PSI, Rainbow Families
- Pro-Choice Therapist
A small sampling of Dr Julie Bindeman blog contributions and interviews:
- pregnancyafterlosssupport.com (a daily blog about pregnancy after loss)
- marriage.com (a site dedicated to couples and marriage)
- bridgetobaby (a blog about infertility and pregnancy loss),
- wholepregnancy (a blog about natural pregnancy and child rearing)
- www.stillstanding.com (a daily blog about pregnancy loss and infertility)
- Twitter: @drjulieb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbindeman
- Instagram: @drjuliebindeman
Website: https://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/
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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
-------------------------------------
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.
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
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
-------------------------------------
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.
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
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
-------------------------------------
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.
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
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.
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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.