How do you heal after loss? Bereavement Counselor Brent Thomas' life is dedicated to answering that question and helping to guide people to their own healing as they deal with grief. In this episode we discuss life and death, dying with dignity and choice, grief, memorializing lost loved ones, and healing.
This conversation is relevant to anyone who has suffered a loss, be it a person, a relationship, or a sense of purpose.
Brent's website: Holiday at the Sea
Book mentioned by Brent: Anne Roiphe.- "Epilogue: A Memoir"
Albums mentioned by Brent:
Eluvium - "An Accidental Memory in the Case of Death"
Trash Can Sinatras - "Cake"
Mike Doughty - "Skittish/Rockity Roll"
Song mentioned by Shane: Mike Doughty - "No Peace, Los Angeles"
Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning:
1. Accept the reality of the loss:
This involves acknowledging that the loss has occurred and that the person is physically gone. It can be a difficult task, as some denial may initially be present.
2. Process the pain of grief:
This involves experiencing and working through the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual pain associated with the loss. Avoiding or suppressing grief can be detrimental.
3. Adjust to a world without the deceased:
This task involves adapting to a new reality where the deceased is no longer present, taking on new roles and responsibilities, and potentially redefining one's identity.
4. Find an enduring connection with the deceased while building a new life:
This task acknowledges that while the loss is permanent, the relationship with the deceased can continue in a different way, and one can still find meaning and purpose in life. It involves finding ways to honor the memory of the deceased while also moving forward and creating a new life.
Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/
My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963
Intro voice-over artist: Kevin Ohlfest
Resources:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741
Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/
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