Navigating Family Systems and Grief
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor converses with Sarah Grace Stevenson, a licensed marriage and family therapist associate from Alabama. They delve into the pervasive nature of grief in family systems, examining how different family members process and express grief. Sarah Grace shares insights on the importance of intentionality in handling grief, how unresolved grief can impact current relationships, and practical ways to support grieving family members. They also discuss the significance of creating supportive environments, both at home and in the workplace, and how intergenerational grief can influence family dynamics. The episode underscores the necessity of self-care, building community, and giving grace to oneself and others during the grieving process.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Meet Sarah Grace Stevenson
00:51 Sarah Grace's Background and Journey
02:24 Understanding Family Dynamics in Grief
03:57 The Spectrum of Grief
05:48 Unresolved Grief and Its Impact on Relationships
13:28 Grief in the Workplace
17:31 Parenting and Grief
22:51 Balancing Parental Spoons
23:46 Avoiding Social Media Comparisons
24:28 Understanding Grief in the New Normal
25:35 Modeling Emotional Processing for Kids
28:00 Generational Differences in Grief
32:46 Personal Stories of Grief
37:34 Creating Space for Grief
41:21 Resources and Support for Grieving
43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Sarah Grace Stevenson, MA, LMFTA, is a passionate marriage and family therapist based in Alabama. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she holds a Master’s in Counselor Education with a focus on Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. Sarah Grace has further enriched her expertise with specialized training in the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy.
In her practice, Sarah Grace dedicates herself to helping couples navigate the complexities of their relationships while honoring the profound impact of family-of-origin patterns on marital dynamics. She is also deeply committed to supporting children and families, educating parents on the critical roles they play as the primary family-of-origin for their children and the far-reaching implications of these relationships.
With a holistic approach that integrates these principles, Sarah Grace strives to foster healthier, more resilient family units, paving the way for generations of well-being.
Instagram: @sgstevensonmft
Warrior Wellness Group:https://www.warriorwellnessgroup.com/
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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, trauma, and reproductive psychology, 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.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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