5.8K
Downloads
80
Episodes
Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief and trauma, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you’re navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. 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
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
--------------------------------------
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/
---------------
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
-----------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------------------
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.
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
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.
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 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.
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 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.