Navigating Grief as a Single Parent In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor converses with Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea, a professor and licensed mental health counselor, about the challenges of parenting while grieving. They discuss the unique hurdles faced by single parents, the importance of self-care, and strategies for supporting children through grief. Lee shares her personal journey after the sudden death of her husband, highlighting the value of seeking community support and establishing new traditions. The episode provides insights into balancing one's own grief with the responsibility of nurturing grieving children.

00:00 Introduction to Grief and Parenting

00:56 Lee's Background and Personal Story

03:04 Navigating Grief as a Single Parent

07:04 Supporting Grieving Children

10:44 Challenges in School and Social Settings

17:22 Finding Support and Community

19:29 Building Traditions and Keeping Memories Alive

20:27 Adapting Holidays and Creating New Traditions

21:52 The Importance of Proactive Grieving

22:50 Finding Community and Support

23:58 Navigating Grief's Unexpected Waves

25:47 The Power of Listening and Support

30:28 Balancing Personal Grief and Supporting Children

33:12 Living Fearlessly and Embracing Life

34:21 Future Plans and Giving Back

35:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea is a seasoned mental health professional with a rich background in clinical psychology. She holds a Master's from Mansfield University and a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in New York and a retired Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, Professor Gernert-Larrea has dedicated 20 years to community mental health, providing psychological services at the Elmira Psychiatric Center.

Currently teaching at a community college, she finds joy in engaging with students through various psychology courses, ranging from introductory to upper-level specialized classes such as Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Her teaching philosophy encourages open inquiry and discussion, helping students explore the broad and diverse field of psychology.

Professor Gernert-Larrea is also a member of the American Psychological Association and has been recognized for her educational contributions with the RBOT Excellence in Teaching Award and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and student development.

You can reach out to her at Lgernert@corning-c.edu

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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

hello@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

hello@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.