This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss

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If you're looking for gentle yet frank and authentic conversations about the ins and outs of grief, loss and life in the aftermath, then this is your place. I'm Lori Peters, a veteran griever and licensed grief counselor. I use my personal and professional knowledge to talk about grief in all its messy aspects. I'm far from being an expert, but I'll share what I do know to help you navigate one of the hardest moments of life, when you've lost something or someone. Loss is universal but grief is unique for each of us. I feel honored and blessed to serve in this way as your guide and supporter.

Lori Peters


    • Dec 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 94 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss podcast has been a tremendous resource for me as I processed the loss of our family cat last month. When looking for support and guidance to help not only myself but also my wife and two daughters through the grieving process, I stumbled upon this podcast and it has truly been a saving grace. Hosted by Ms. Peters, the episodes are filled with insightful explanations of grief and provide relatable examples that resonate with listeners.

    One of the best aspects of The This Thing Called Grief podcast is how Ms. Peters effectively explains the complexities of grief in short, yet meaningful, episodes. Each episode covers different aspects of loss and the emotions that accompany it, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding of their own experiences. The use of examples helps to make these concepts more relatable, making it easier for individuals to navigate their own unique grief journeys. Additionally, Ms. Peters' compassionate tone and empathetic approach create an atmosphere of comfort and understanding for listeners.

    Moreover, this podcast addresses various forms of loss beyond just the death of a loved one. Whether someone has lost a job, relationship, or even a beloved pet like my bff dog, there is valuable content in each episode that provides solace and guidance during difficult times. This versatility makes The This Thing Called Grief podcast applicable to a wider audience, ensuring that people from all walks of life can find support through their unique losses.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential drawback is its brevity. Some listeners may prefer longer episodes that delve deeper into specific topics surrounding grief. However, considering the nature of grief itself – often overwhelming and emotionally draining – the shorter format may actually be beneficial for those who find it difficult to concentrate or engage for extended periods during their grieving process.

    In conclusion, I highly recommend The This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss podcast to anyone who has experienced loss in any form. Ms. Peters' ability to explain grief and provide relatable examples in short, impactful episodes is truly commendable. This podcast has been a source of comfort, guidance, and understanding as I navigate my own grief journey, and I am confident it can offer the same for others. Do not hesitate to tune into this podcast if you are seeking support during a time of loss – you will not be disappointed.



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    Latest episodes from This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss

    An Update & A Pause

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 1:57


    In this brief episode, I explain what's been going on for me and why I need to take a hiatus. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz **NOT ACCEPTING THERAPY CLIENTS CURRENTLY**

    Prepping for the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 7:52


    This year, I'm only devoting one episode to the holidays at they relate to grief. I offer five gentle suggestions to help you navigate this time of year. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz For Therapy Inquiries: www.starfishcounseling.biz (PA residents only) Grief to Gratitude Retreat from May 16-20: https://tri.ps/6bh6g

    Multiple Losses within a Short Period of Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 7:19


    I talk about a dynamic that a lot of people face - incurring losses within a short amount of time. I also give a few pointers on how to start dealing with the overwhelming grief. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz Grief to Gratitude Retreat: https://tri.ps//6bh6g

    Grief to Gratitude Retreat

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 7:59


    I talk about a retreat I'm hosting May 16-20, 2025 at the Retreat Ranch in Marble Falls, TX. To learn more or to reserve your spot: https://tri.ps/6bh6g or theretreatranch.com Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Some Considerations Before Establishing a Daily Routine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 5:44


    Getting back to your life after a loss can be hard, so in this episode, I go over a few considerations you may want to think about if you're ready to resume or start a daily routine. I also share some exciting news about upcoming events. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    When You Want to Rush the Healing Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 6:22


    A lot of my clients and I have struggled with the urge to ignore our feelings and rush through the grieving process. Pain can do that to you. I talk about why that is in this episode. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Writing Prompt for 8/2/24

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 2:05


    This episode contains a writing prompt. I periodically offer such prompts to help you navigate your grief process. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Checking In

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 4:26


    In this episode, I give you a few questions to use for a self-check-in, which is a valuable activity to do to help you in your grief. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Writing Prompt - 6/28/24

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 1:51


    It's time for another writing prompt. Be sure to create space and time to do the writing and then plan on doing a reset before reintegrating. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    An Invitation to Journal Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 3:01


    I'm excited to share with you a new service I'm offering through my writing business. I am a therapist who happens to write - so much so that I've created a writing business, and journal coaching is a new endeavor. Journal coaching is not therapy but it could be of some help to you. You can find out more by scheduling a free, 15-minute consultation with me by clicking this link: https://calendly.com/lori-loriapeterswriter/15-minute-free-consultation More details are also available on my writing website: www.loriapeterswriter.com/coaching .

    Spiritual Bypassing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 8:33


    A hot topic on tap for this episode - spiritual bypassing. I define it, provide examples of it and give you some tips on what to do when confronted by it and how to prevent you from doing it to someone else. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Therapy Inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Signs You're Doing Okay

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 8:36


    "How do I know I'm doing okay?" This is a common question I get from clients and others as they go through the grief process. I go over a list of six signs I look out for. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For Therapy Inquiries, visit www.starfishcounseling.biz (Pennsylvania residents only)

    Writing Prompt - 5/24/24

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 1:58


    This is a writing prompt related to grief. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Different Levels of Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 5:39


    I talk about how the level of grief experienced can vary among losses, depending upon a few factors. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries, visit www.starfishcounseling.biz (PA residents only).

    Doing the Bare Minimum in Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 6:50


    Have you ever felt like you need to do something with your grief? I talk about that in this episode, suggesting a different way to approach grief. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Visit www.starfishcounseling.biz for therapy inquiries (PA residents only).

    Writing Prompt - 4/26/24

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 1:58


    I have another writing prompt for you in this episode. Be sure to save time and space to do the activity and then to reset. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Go to: www.starfishcounseling.biz for therapy inquiries (PA residents only)

    The Grief Associated with Transitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 6:21


    I go over some common and not-so-common transitions that generate grief and explain why acknowledging the grief process inside of these changes is so important. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    What To Do When You Don't Have Support

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 6:52


    I talk about support systems in this episode and what to do if you don't have one. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), visit www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Bonus Episode: Writing Prompt #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 2:15


    It's the 4th Friday of the month and so I have another writing prompt for you. Be sure you're in the proper space to complete the prompt and don't forget to ask your questions to reset - How do I reset? What self-care action do I need to take? What self-care thought do I have? Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com

    The Juggling Act of Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 8:05


    Sometimes in grief, it feels like we have lives in two separate worlds and it becomes a juggling act. I talk more about this strange dynamic in this episode. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    Handling Grief When You're Depressed

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 14:27


    TW: mentions of suicide and trauma I share a bit of my story about how I navigated grief and depression and I offer some gentle suggestions. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. Call 988, the national crisis hotline, or 911 or your local crisis hotline. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    BONUS EPISODE: Writing Prompt for 2/23/24

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 4:09


    On the 4th Friday of each month, I will be offering you a prompt to journal about in relation to grief and your grieving process. Today's prompts: 1. How are you feeling about your grief process? 2. Do you believe you need extra support? Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    Secondary Losses

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 7:54


    Sometimes the grief journey gets complicated when we discover we are actually grieving more than one loss. I talk about the existence of secondary losses in this episode. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    Let the Low Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 11:52


    I share how I'm getting through a low period of my life. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    Season 3 Trailer & Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 3:48


    I talk about a few topics that will be appearing in Season 3 of this podcast and share some updates. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 13: Looking Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 5:46


    I offer some questions for you to ponder and/or journal about to help yourself prepare for 2024 and the next holiday season as they relate to your grief. Here are the questions: 1.   How did you navigate your grief during this holiday season? 2.   Did you honor your grief during this time? If the answer is yes, how did you do it? 3.   What did you do that felt good to you? 4.   What did you do that didn't feel so good? 5.   Is there anything you would like to change about how you observed the holidays? If so, what would that be? 6. As the new year dawns, is there anything you would like to accomplish in the next year? Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 12: You Can Do This!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 5:12


    As we get closer to the apex of the holiday season, I do a brief check-in using some writing prompts. Here's the list of prompts: 1.   How are you doing – really? 2.   How are you navigating the holiday season? 3.   Name one positive thing from the holiday season. 4.   Name one negative or challenging thing from the holiday season. 5. What is one takeaway you have about this season that will help you moving forward? Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), visit www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 11: Finding Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 11:07


    Finding joy while grieving and while observing the holidays can seem impossible. I approach this topic in a different way by going over a few small ways you can tap into joy. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), visit ⁠www.starfishcounseling.biz⁠ .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 10: Handling Memories

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 8:46


    TW: I offer an exercise that may bring up discomfort or pain, especially for survivors of trauma. Please proceed with caution or feel free to skip the exercise. What can you do with those memories that seem to pop up a lot during the holiday season? I offer some guidance here as well as some journal prompts to gain further insight. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 9: Grief Splurges

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 11:48


    In this episode, I talk about what grief splurges are and how they can help you cope with grief. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 8: Checking In

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 5:27


    I do a brief check-in here on the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. to see how you are faring. I offer some questions to help you gauge where you are in your grief process as it relates to the holidays. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    BONUS EPISODE - Grief Meditation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 7:23


    This is a short guided meditation for grief. You may want to have a notebook or journal handy for this episode. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 7: The Bare Minimum – Gift Giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 8:12


    In the last part of this microseries on doing the bare minimum when it comes to the holidays, I talk about some options for gift giving. I also talk about an extra episode I'm doing during the week of Thanksgiving. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 6: The Bare Minimum - Meals & Activities

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 13:09


    In this episode, I talk about how to approach meal prep and social activities when you're grieving during the holiday season. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 5: Doing the Bare Minimum - Decorating

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 6:43


    I offer some suggestions on how to take a minimalist approach to decorating for the holiday season when you just don't have the energy or desire to decorate. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 4: What If You Don't Celebrate?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 4:27


    I sometimes get asked - What if I don't observe the holidays? What if I don't celebrate? Could I still be impacted? I dive a little bit into that topic in this episode. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 3: Tending to Your Feelings

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 9:31


    Feelings, feelings, feelings - those pesky feelings. They seem more acute during the holiday season when you're grieving. This episode takes a look at how to tend to those emotions. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Social Media: 1. Facebook - Starfish Counseling for Grief and Loss 2. Instagram - @starfishcounselingforgrief My Grief Support Group is held on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. EDT. To register, contact me via email. For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz.

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 2: What Is Your Plan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 5:45


    Holiday planning is the subject of this episode. I go over a few questions and suggestions that could make this process easier for you. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    The Holidays & Grief, Part 1: Embrace the Suck

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 5:57


    This is Part One of my annual holiday series on grief and the holidays. Today I talk about accepting the fact that the holiday season will not be what you hope it to be. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    What Happens in Grief Counseling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 13:39


    I give you a quick peek of what it's like to be in a grief counseling session with me, and I explain the counseling process in general. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For Pennsylvania residents looking for therapy, go to www.starfishcounseling.biz.

    The Second Year of Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 8:02


    I go over some reasons why the second year of grief can be harder than the first. I also highlight why the second year can be a time of opportunity. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com Online Grief Support Group meets at 7 p.m. EDT on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month via Zoom. To sign up, email lori@starfishcounseling.biz. For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz.

    Cultural Approaches to Death & Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 13:15


    In this episode, I take a very general look at how some cultures address death and grief. If you come from a culture I didn't mention, I'd be interested in learning how your culture treats the death and grief process. You can share that with me at Lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com. For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), go to www.starfishcounseling.biz .

    Styles of Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 6:53


    There are a few factors that influence how we grieve. I go over that list in today's episode. I am making a list of topics that I want to cover on the podcast in 2024, so if you have an idea, please email me at lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com. For therapy inquiries (Pennsylvania residents only), email lori@starfishcounseling.biz or visit www.starfishcounseling.biz.

    Making Decisions in Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 10:02


    Decisions, decisions - you will have to make a lot of them as you grieve. In this episode, I go over why you should wait on making some decisions and what you can do instead. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (for Pennsylvania residents): www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Why Grief Support Groups Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 9:35


    I list the 5 top reasons why grief support groups help people navigate loss and I also give some tips on what to look for in a group. Resources I mention: 1. GriefShare: griefshare.org 2. David Kessler's group and resources: grief.com 3. My Online Grief Support Group: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. EDT. Email me at lori@starfishcounseling.biz to get a Zoom link for the next meeting. For those looking for grief therapy and reside in Pennsylvania, go to my website to schedule an appointment: www.starfishcounseling.biz

    Traumatic Grief (aka Grief after Traumatic Loss)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 17:56


    TW: Trauma, traumatic loss I talk about what traumatic grief is and how it can develop. I also go over ways you can help yourself as you navigate this particularly complicated and difficult kind of grieving. Resource: www.whatsyourgrief.com Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com

    (REPLAY) How to Help Yourself or Someone Who Is Grieving

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 15:46


    I'm away for the week, so for today's episode, I'm replaying one of the more popular episodes that have been downloaded. The topic is about helping yourself or someone else who's grieving. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries, go to www.starfishcounseling.biz. (Pennsylvania residents only)

    Caregivers & Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 13:47


    Today I talk about some of the nuances of grief associated with being a caregiver. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com. If you're in Pennsylvania and are interested in receiving therapy services from Lori, please go to www.starfishcounseling.biz.

    The Tasks of Mourning

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 9:41


    In this episode, I go over the "Tasks of Mourning," as posited by grief researcher Dr. J.W. Worden. Dr. Worden believes each griever completes tasks as they move through the bereavement process. To research: Dr. J. W. Worden & the Tasks of Mourning Contact: Lori - lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com. If you're in Pennsylvania and are interesting in working with me for your grief concern, please go to my therapy website: www.starfishcounseling.biz

    When the Calls & Texts Stop Coming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 12:19


    In this episode, I go over a few suggestions on how to handle grief when the supportive calls, texts, cards, etc. stop coming. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com.

    The Physics of Grief, Part 2: How Grief Affects the Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 14:47


    In the last of this two-part miniseries, I talk about how grief impacts the body. I also share a little bit about what happened to me when I engaged with an unhealthy coping mechanism. For more info about grief and the brain and body, check out the work of Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor. She's a grief researcher who's written a beautiful and easily understandable book on how grief impacts the brain, The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss. Her website is thegrievingbrain.com. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com

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