Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E22 Childless Not by Choice: Infertility Grief Through a Psychological Lens with Ahlia Kim, LMFT

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. Together, they offer insights into validating grief, setting boundaries, and balancing hope without succumbing to toxic positivity. Ahlia shares personal anecdotes, practical coping strategies, and upcoming projects, making this a supportive and informative conversation for both those experiencing infertility and their loved ones.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:25 Meet Ahlia Kim: A Journey in Infertility Therapy

02:16 Understanding Infertility as a Form of Grief

04:43 Navigating Microaggressions and Cultural Stigma

10:17 Generational and Familial Impact of Infertility

15:04 Identity and Worldview Changes Due to Infertility

21:23 Honoring and Holding Space for Infertility Grief

28:38 Balancing Grief and Hope in the Infertility Journey

34:40 Supporting Loved Ones Through Infertility

40:00 Conclusion and Resources

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Ahlia Atterbury-Kim is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Washington state, specializing in infertility and reproductive trauma. She’s passionate about helping clients navigate the deep emotional, relational, physical, and financial impacts of infertility, and supporting them through the profound worldview shifts that come with it. Ahlia has lived experience with fertility treatments herself, and in her own journey, she found resilience in integrating play—often through video games, Legos and floral design. As a therapist, she values medical advocacy, humor and creating space where both grief and hope are welcome.   www.wellharbortherapy.com https://www.instagram.com/well_harbor_therapy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahlia-kim-8111bb15a/https://www.instagram.com/well_harbor_therapy/   ----------------------------------------------------

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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