In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with licensed mental health counselor Sitara Marin about the complex interplay between grief and identity. They discuss how shifting roles, titles, and expectations in the wake of both death and non-death losses can impact one's sense of self. Sitara introduces her adapted tier model of grief, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, processing, and integrating both old and new identities. The conversation offers valuable insights and practical strategies for managing grief, maintaining self-care, and supporting loved ones through identity transitions.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Meet Sitara Marin: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

02:32 Understanding Identity Loss in Therapy

05:20 The Tier Model: A New Approach to Grief

06:54 Navigating Non-Death Losses

19:14 Self-Care and Compassion in Grief

24:22 Supporting Loved Ones Through Identity Transitions

28:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

33:10 Closing Remarks and Resources

----------------------------------------------

Sitara Marin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Sex Therapist living in Seattle. She obtained her Masters in Counseling from Northwestern University and her Masters in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She has her own private practice based in Seattle, WA where she works with individuals 16 years and older to delve deep into their psyche and recreate their identities using various modalities such as PsychoDynamic, Existentialism, and Sex Therapy. When Sitara isn't swimming in the sea of the Unconscious she can be found playing board games with her family, going on culinary adventures, and sleeping in!

https://www.sitaramarintherapy.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

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

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

-------------------------------------

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.

Navigating Grief and Abortion with Compassion

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Christine Slomski, a licensed professional counselor and reproductive grief specialist. Together, they explore the complex and nuanced relationship between abortion and grief. Christine shares her professional and personal journey in this field, discussing the importance of recognizing and validating the multifaceted nature of reproductive loss. The episode emphasizes the need for safe, compassionate spaces for those grieving an abortion and offers practical advice for self-care and seeking support. Listeners are encouraged to remember that grief is deeply personal and valid, regardless of the circumstances.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:25 Meet Christine Slomski: Counselor and Reproductive Grief Specialist

01:13 Understanding Reproductive Grief Care

02:09 Today's Topic: Abortion and Grief

02:50 Christine's Journey to Specializing in Reproductive Grief

04:18 The Complexities of Abortion Loss

14:29 Challenges in Receiving Support

19:36 Self-Care and Support Strategies

22:21 Processing and Externalizing Grief

25:52 Key Takeaways on Abortion and Grief

29:18 Christine's Projects and Closing Remarks

----------------------------------------

Christine Slomski is a Licensed Counselor and EFT Tapping Practitioner in Arizona. She has a passion to support women in their healing journeys and to help grieving individuals find solace and strength after loss. In addition to providing counseling services, Christine runs a clinical support group for women called the Healing Circle, a place to receive support following an abortion experience.

Confidential & clinical online resource for processing your abortion experience in solitude, anonymously: https://yourabortionexperience.org/en

--------------------------------------------------

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

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

-------------------------------------

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.

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

---------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------

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

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

-------------------------------------

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.

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

---------------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------

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.

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

--------------------------------

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).

------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------

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.

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

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

-------------------------------------

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.