Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

Navigating Father's Day: Acknowledging Silent Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the complex and often silent grief associated with Father’s Day. She speaks to those who have lost their fathers, fathers who have lost children, and others grappling with fatherhood-related grief. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the need for space, validation, and acknowledging one's feelings. She offers practical s...

Changing the Conversation on Grief and Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Robert C. Smith

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, hosts Dr. Robert Smith, author of 'Has Medicine Lost Its Mind.' The discussion focuses on the inadequacies in medical training regarding mental health and grief support. Dr. Smith shares his personal experiences and insights into t...

Supporting Grievers: How to Show Up and Stay Present

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, focuses on how to support someone who is grieving. She explains the three roles of support: doers, listeners, and respite friends, emphasizing the need for sustainable and specific support. Dr. Taylor offers prac...

*Trigger Warning: Sensitive Content Ahead

In this episode of Grief is the New Normal (Episode 33), we speak with Kristina Spurlock, LMHC, about the deeply personal and painful realities of sexual assault trauma and grief.

Please be advised: This conversation includes discussions of sexual violence, emotional trauma, and the grieving process that may be activating for some listeners.

If you are currently in crisis or need support, w...

Collective Grief: Navigating Pain in a Troubled World

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the concept of collective grief, highlighting the emotional toll of societal and systemic issues, especially on marginalized communities, amid political and social upheavals. She explains how grief manifests in various forms, such as burnout, rage, and emotional numbness, and emphasizes the importance of ...

Navigating Perinatal Loss: A Deep Dive with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, converses with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW, on her work and experiences with perinatal loss. Caitlin shares her journey from working with spinal cord injury patients in a busy NYC hospital to specializing in maternal mental health. The conversation delves...

Navigating Empty Nest Grief: Identity, Transitions, and Self-Compassion

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, delves into the complex emotions surrounding the empty nest transition. Dr. Taylor discusses the profound grief that can accompany this phase of life, even though it's often viewed as a joyful milestone. She addresses how parents, especially those who...

Navigating Grief: A Conversation with Moira Khan of Griefspan

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Moira Khan, an international grief educator and coach. Moira shares her personal journey through multiple losses, including the sudden death of her mother, brother, and father, and discusses her passion for grief education and coaching. She also explor...

Understanding and Validating Disenfranchised Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the topic of disenfranchised grief. This type of grief is often unrecognized or dismissed by society, which makes it feel particularly isolating. Dr. Taylor explains what disenfranchised grief is, provides examples including pet loss, estranged family, and non-t...

Grief, Humor, and the Long Arc of Healing: A Conversation with Rebecca Soffer of Modern Loss

In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor talks with Rebecca Soffer, the co-founder of the Modern Loss community. Rebecca shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her parents and the inception of Modern Loss. They discuss the integration of humor in grief, the importance of community, and the inadequa...

Grieving Unmet Expectations: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the often-overlooked grief of unmet expectations. She delves into the pain of life's deviations from our plans, the societal pressures that exacerbate these feelings, and offers practical advice for coping and moving forward. Dr. Taylor shares perso...

Navigating Mother's Day Part 2: A Guide for Those Grieving Invisible Losses 

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals grieving on Mother's Day, particularly those dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child. This is part two of the Mother's Day series. Dr. Taylor offers compassionate strategies on coping ahead, setting emotional boundarie...

Navigating Mother's Day Amidst Grief: Part One

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, discusses the complexities and emotional challenges that Mother's Day can bring for those grieving the loss of a mother or a mother figure. Dr. Taylor provides practical strategies for self-care, emphasizes the validity of all types of grief, and offers support for both those...

Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Retirement

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor explores the often overlooked grief associated with retirement. She delves into the identity shift and emotional fallout that can occur when leaving a career, whether planned or unexpected. Dr. Taylor shares personal anecdotes and client experiences to highlight the complexity of this life transition. She offers practical...

Navigating Infertility: Grief, Hope, and Support

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with Ahlia Kim, a licensed marriage family therapist specializing in infertility, about the grief tied to infertility and pregnancy loss. They discuss the emotional landscape of those struggling with infertility, the misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding it, and how it affects identity and family systems. Tog...

Navigating the Emotional Layers of Moving and Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor explores the emotional complexities of moving. She emphasizes that relocating involves more than just physical changes; it's an emotional journey that often includes unexpected grief. Heather shares personal stories of her own moves, highlighting the significance of saying goodbye to meaningful spaces. She provides p...

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Grief with Chris Drew

In this engaging conversation, life and mental health coach Chris Drew shares her insights on dealing with grief. Chris, who transitioned from a graphic designer to a coach, sheds light on the different facets of grief, whether from death or life transitions, and how it can manifest in various forms. The discussion covers practical approaches to processing emotions, the import...

Anticipatory Grief: Understanding and Coping Before the Loss

In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor explores the complexities of anticipatory grief, which occurs before an actual loss. She defines it as a real and valid form of grief that can be emotionally exhausting and often misunderstood. Through a personal story about her grandmother, Dr. Taylor illustrates how anticipatory grief can manifest and offers...

Navigating Grief: Understanding and Coping Over Time with Jen Reisinger, LMHC

In this insightful episode, Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes back Jen Reisinger, LMHC, PMH-C to discuss the complex and unpredictable nature of grief. They explore how grief manifests at different times and in various forms, often catching people off guard. Using metaphors like ‘waves of grief’ and ‘tsunamis,’ they illustrate the profound impact of grief on in...