Episodes

  • Prolonged Anticipatory Grief with Karen DeBonis, Author of "Growth"

    Prolonged Anticipatory Grief with Karen DeBonis, Author of "Growth"
    Jun 2 2023
    May 24, 2023 Prolonged Anticipatory Grief with Karen DeBonis, Author of the memoir “Growth."

    Anticipatory grief can occur for days, months, or even years before an impending loss and is experienced by many people whose loved ones suffer from chronic and/or degenerative diseases. Today’s guest Karen DeBonis, author of “Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived” spoke with us about her journey…which, gratefully, has a happier ending than most of my guests. From years of misdiagnoses, medical gaslighting, overcoming people-pleasing behavior, patient advocacy, and balancing work with caring for two boys—one of whom was finally diagnosed with a brain tumor, Karen tell us about the unique journey parents face when their child has a potentially deadly condition, and the post traumatic growth that can occur after your child fights a brain growth.

    You can purchase Karen’s book here:

    https://karendebonis.com/

    You can purchase Melissa’s new book, “Mom’s Search for Meaning” here:

    https://geni.us/MomsSearchForMeaning
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    32 mins
  • Grief Following Suicide with Norine Vander Hooven, LCSW

    Grief Following Suicide with Norine Vander Hooven, LCSW
    Jan 3 2023
    Dec 22, 2022 Grief Following Suicide with Norine Vander Hooven, LCSW

    Loved ones of those who died by suicide have a uniquely difficult grief journey. Todays guest Norine Vander Hooven, LCSW, is a counselor in Westlake Village, CA, an EMDR Approved Consultant, the Former Chair of Youth Suicide Prevention Committee for the American Association of Suicidology. Today we discuss how we can support ourselves and others following death of a loved one by suicide. We also discuss some simple anxiety hacks we can all use to improve our mental health, and signs to look for if we suspect someone may be suicidal.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation call 988 in the US or go to: https://988lifeline.org/

    You can learn more about Norine and her work here: https://www.norinevanderhoovenlcsw.com/about.
    For more information on Our House Grief Support Center go here: https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/
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    37 mins
  • Crisis in Faith During Grief with Stephanie Herrman, M.Theology

    Crisis in Faith During Grief with Stephanie Herrman, M.Theology
    Jan 3 2023
    DEC 15, 2022 Crisis in Faith During Grief with Stephanie Herrman, M.Theology

    Tragedy, grief and trauma can lead us to question even our deepest held beliefs, often resulting in additional guilt and shame. Stephanie Herrman, M. Theology – and long-time bodyworker and Pilates teacher – joins us today to provide a non-judgmental space to discuss what we can do for ourselves when we find ourselves questioning everything we thought we knew.

    To find out more about Blue Christmas https://nationaltoday.com/blue-christmas/
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    46 mins
  • Grief for Dads with Kelly Farley, Author of "Grieving Dads"

    Grief for Dads with Kelly Farley, Author of "Grieving Dads"
    Dec 21 2022
    Dec 8, 202 Kelly Farley, Author of “Grieving Dads” | Grief in Dads

    We individually grieve differently, plus we individually grieve different deaths differently… and grieve differently moment to moment. Therefore, expecting two family members to grieve the same way at the same time forever and ever, is not a fair expectation. And there are gender differences as well! I’m a woman and can give my personal experience as a grieving mom, but this episode is for the dads and anyone who wants to better understand how men grieve their children. Kelly Farley is a twice bereaved father and author of “Grieving Dads.” It was my honor to hand over the mic and Warren Gibbons, father of Nolan and husband of former guest Sheila Gibbons. To find out more about Kelly you can go here: https://grievingdads.com/ For more information about Helping Families Heal go here: https://www.helpingparentsheal.org/
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    59 mins
  • Grief Support for Families Who Lost Children, Jody Pupecki of The Compassionate Friends

    Grief Support for Families Who Lost Children, Jody Pupecki of The Compassionate Friends
    Dec 8 2022
    Nov 17, 2022 | Grief Support for Families Who Lost Children, Jody Pupecki of The Compassionate Friends

    The death of a child is a devastating event not only for the parents of the child, but their siblings, grandparents, and other family members as well. Founded over 50 years ago, The Compassionate Friends now has over 520 grief group chapters for families in the US and is present in 30 other countries. TCF provides bereavement support for families in many ways, including virtual options, and has helped countless families cope with heartbreak of child loss. Jody started as a TCF participant. Her healing experience with TCF led her to become a Board Member today—a true shero.

    For more information on TCF : https://www.compassionatefriends.org

    To find a chapter: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/find-
    support/chapters/chapter-locator/

    To find a FaceBook group for specific types of loss : https://www.facebook.com/TCFUSA/groups
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    58 mins
  • Adoption Loss and Compounded Losses with Candace Cahill, Author of "Goodbye, Again."

    Adoption Loss and Compounded Losses with Candace Cahill, Author of "Goodbye, Again."
    Nov 21 2022
    Nov 10, 2022 | Adoption Grief and Compounded Losses with Candace Cahill, Author of “Goodbye, Again.”

    Candace Cahill lost her son. Twice. Once, after she was strong-armed into relinquishing him to adoption. The second time, after he died in his sleep not long after they finally met for the first time. Candace’s story will break your heart and put it back together. We discuss her unique periods of grief, adoption, compounded losses, complicated grief, and how her healing journey helped her find a level of compassion and forgiveness she didn't know she possessed.

    You can learn more about Candace here: https://candacecahill.com/

    You can buy “Goodbye, Again” here: https://legacybookpress.com/goodbye_again/
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Self-care During Grief with Graciela Moore

    Self-care During Grief with Graciela Moore
    Nov 21 2022
    It’s always vital to take care of ourselves, but especially important—and challenging—during times of grief. Life Coach Graciela Moore discusses some easy ways we can nurture ourselves at our most vulnerable times. So many great questions, practical solutions, and beautiful shares in this episode.

    For more about Graciela’s work, you can go here: https://linktr.ee/song.of.myself.ig
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • End of Life Support and Death Doulas with Sharon Pollock

    End of Life Support and Death Doulas with Sharon Pollock
    Nov 9 2022
    Oct 27, 2022 | End of Life Support and Death Doulas with Sharon Pollock
    Western society barely provides us enough time to plan a funeral, much less get affairs in order, grieve, or spend time with the dying. When it comes to saying goodbye, Sharon can assist you in multiple ways. Whether it’s keeping vigil with the dying, providing assistance with bureaucratic tasks and paperwork, supporting the family with meals or errands, or planning living wake or after death, Sharon can help plan the perfect ceremony to honor their life by creating and delivering a farewell true to them. 
     
    It may be traditional; it may be simple, and intimate; it may be outdoors in a favorite location; it may be full of laughter and joy. Where is it written that funerals need to always be somber events.

    Sharon's passion is creating unique bespoke services which honor your loved one, before or after death.

    You can find out more about Sharon’s services here: https://livingtilltheend.com.au/

    To find a death doula in your area: https://goingwithgrace.com/death-doula-directory/
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    53 mins