Podcasts about compassionate friends

“It was the worst day of my life, but I've always been grateful for having him for 33 years.” Reaching the 10-year milestone since the passing of her 33-year-old son Wayne, Lena  is finding solace in helping others embrace their grief journeys through a national network called The Compassionate Friends. But along the way, she's also discovered she is helping herself live more fully, and more intentionally every day, for herself, and for her son.Links to resources from our interview with Lena Hann: The Compassionate Friends grief support groups: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/Lena Hann, The Compassionate Friends Facilitator in  Lewiston, Maine.              Email Lena: lenahann33@gmail.comGrief Educator David Kessler: https://grief.comWhat did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.Our podcast's theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you've learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can't wait to hear from you!Love what you heard? leave us...

I have been told that my podcast is an important part of the therapy process for many grieving parents. Today is the first time, however, that I have interviewed someone whose therapist instructed her to reach out to me and be on my podcast as a guest.  When Robyn's son, Drew (Andrew), was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2021, she was 'shocked, but not surprised.' She certainly had that shock of losing Drew, but Drew was a daredevil most of his life. He had no fewer than three accidents in the months before his death that could have taken his life, but he had miraculously walked away each time. After Drew's death, Robyn did everything she thought she should do. She started therapy. She decided to live life to its fullest and bought two kayaks to take up kayaking. She got a healthy diet plan and lost 50 pounds. She bought equipment to start her own podcast. Everyone around her said she was doing great, and from the outside, she looked like she was doing great. Her therapist, on the other hand, said, 'Robyn, you are not doing great. You are not allowing yourself to truly feel. You need to lean into your grief,' but Robyn did not listen. She kept on as she was, until eventually, she couldn't. The grief caught up with her. She needed to grieve. She started in a Compassionate Friends support group. A member of the group told her about my podcast, another 'Andrew's Mom' with a podcast. Hmm. Was this a little sign? In the meantime, Robyn had been going to her new therapist, who had been brainstorming ways that she could help others in her grief. "What about a podcast?" he suggested, "or a book?" Robyn went to her therapist one day and told him about my podcast. "So you emailed her, right?" the therapist said. "No," Robyn admitted. He suggested that she get out her phone and do it right then. She promised to instead email in the next week.  Robyn emailed me, and the rest is history. Months later, Robyn is sharing Drew's story with the world to help others heal. I am so excited to see the next steps of Robyn's journey and what this may lead Robyn to do in the days and months to come.

Typically we steer clear of breaking down grief by type of relationship, but today we're making an exception. In this episode we talk about the experience of grieving the death of an adult child. This is a topic that has been requested on many occasions, both because it is pervasive and also often overlooked. If you've experienced this personally or love someone who has, we hope this episode offers some insights and ideas for how we as a society can be better equipped to understand this unique type of loss. Visit whatsyourgrief.com for hundreds of free articles we've written about all things grief and loss. If you like the podcast, we think you'll love WYG Grief Support Hub. It's our online membership community that brings grievers together for learning, creativity, and support. You don't have to navigate grief alone - participate in grief conversation sessions and groups, a discussion forum, grief support webinars, creativity projects, community writing sessions, and more. You can learn more here and join.  If you're a grief professional, we have a community for you too. https://whatsyourgrief.com/grief-professionals-community/ You can also make a donation here at any time to help us keep the lights on.  Feeling holiday grief dread? https://whatsyourgrief.com/product/rewriting-the-holidays-after-loss-eworkbook/ Get Lessons to Write On: A Guided Grief Journaling Intensive here.  https://whatsyourgrief.ck.page/products/lessons-to-write-on-grief-journaling Pick up the What's Your Grief Book Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble Amazon Books A Million IndieBound

The biggest skill I use is listening.  Grievers don't need to be fixed.  They need to be heard. - Louise Strasenburgh The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but if you've lost someone you love, they can be tough. This week's guest is here to help.   Louise Strasenburgh is a grief recovery specialist and the author of the book The Space In My Heart.   In 2011, her 26-year-old son Oliver's body was found wrapped in a carpet in Puerto Rico.   In the middle of this horrific loss, her mother died, and then her daughter got married.  Needless to say, Louise experienced a roller coaster of emotions in a short period of time. Desperate to find a community of people who understood her loss, she discovered The Compassionate Friends, compassionatefriends.org, a non-profit that provides friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.  It wasn't long before Louise became certified as a grief recovery specialist and became a leader within her local TCF chapter.  Says Louise:  “Imagine grieving parents, sitting in a circle, going around the room, saying their name and how their child died.  By the time you get to the end of the circle, your heart is flooded with compassion.  Here we all are, and we have to find a way to integrate this loss into our lives and still go forward.  Born in England and raised in Portugal, Louise has moved 32 times and in this interview, declares that she's not done yet.  A former flight attendant for Pan Am, she was born to travel and loves the excitement of learning about new places and meeting people from around the world.  Her book The Space In My Heart was written during the Pandemic as a coping tool for loss.  Using the story of her two Westies, Digger and Daisy, as the protagonists, the book explains grief and loss to children but applies to people of all ages.   The daughter of a squadron leader in the UK's Royal Air Force who fought during World War II, Louise credits her father and Queen Elizabeth as her role models.  “She was my queen from the day I was born, says Louise, and my father was a person of great integrity who taught me:  When things go right, hold tight.  When things go wrong, be strong.”  For 23 minutes of hope and healing, just hit that download button.  #grief #loss#mourning #hope #healing 

Beauty in the ashes! Meet Ghislaine, a bereaved mom who has taken grief by the horns. Her beautiful daughter Andrea passed away as an adult catapulting Ghislaine on a journey that she never planned on. In the bunker today we talked about death, sibling grief, grief, Compassionate Friends, life after death, bi-polar, bullying, bully, mediums, France, mama trauma, momsday moment, motherhood, mother, daughter, and survival.  If you like this episode and want to connect other Mama Trauma Survivors to the Momsday Bunker, please like and share!  Follow the Keri Momsday Prepper on Facebook and Keri_Henson_aka_Momsdayprepper for tips and tricks on preparedness. You can reach Keri at MomsdayPrepper

Whether you have lost a pregnancy, an infant or an older child, or you know of someone who has, this episode is for you.  Today, we honor Infant Loss Awareness Month with a very moving conversation with author, Chris Manion.   We answer questions like: How do you incorporate the loss into your life? What are good strategies for seeking support? Which commonly held beliefs around pregnancy and telling the family may need to be re-considered? What do you say to someone who has lost? About Chris: Chris Manion is an award winning speaker and author of three books. You can find her book, The Light We Cannot See here: https://a.co/d/3ERa1r9 More resources for pregnancy and infant loss: Postpartum Support International (PSI) has pregnancy and infant loss support groups. Loss & Grief in Pregnancy & Postpartum | Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://www.postpartum.net PSI also lists resources such as · Compassionate Friends - comfort for loss of any child/grandchild; (has Spanish/other language versions) · Miscarriage Matters community, · M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death) is a Christian non-profit, · Miscarriage for Men, · Hope MOMMIES non-profit, · Rachel's Gift · helpline 800-944-4773, · tool to track your symptoms to discuss with a medical provider, · Sisters in Loss replaces silence with storytelling around pregnancy infant loss, and infertility of black women · Stay Legacy Foundation – virtual grief support groups including Spanish

Mentor Moments Season Four Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell. Dr. Frantz, a graduate of East Aurora High School in 1959, earned his BA from Grinnell College and his MA and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa before joining the University at Buffalo's Counseling Psychology Department in 1967, where he served for over 40 years until retiring in 2008. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Department Chair and Acting Dean, and focused on teaching and research, advising over 80 Ph.D. dissertations and publishing more than 50 works. A specialist in grief counseling, Dr. Frantz worked closely with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and founded multiple bereavement support groups, including Compassionate Friends. He led crisis response teams in schools and delivered over 1,300 presentations on bereavement and crisis intervention across the Northeast. Dr. Frantz also served on the boards of several hospice and mental health organizations and remained an active athlete, earning a skydiving certificate and completing solo cross-country bike trips, until a hip replacement sidelined him at age 65. He is supported by his wife Donna and children Karen, Wendy, Brian, and Serena. James P.Donnelly, Jr. grew up in Clarence, NY, a small town near Buffalo, and the hometown of Professor Kiener. Jim received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, master's in Social Psychology from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA, and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University at Buffalo. A licensed psychologist, Jim has held academic, clinical and research positions at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the University at Buffalo, and Canisius University. Mentoring experiences include many practicum, internship, masters', doctoral, and post-doctoral students. He served on 110 doctoral dissertation committees, chairing 32. His primary focus has been on chronic health conditions, as well as research methods. He is co-author of three widely used books on research methods, author or co-author of more than 150 journal articles, chapters, reviews and abstracts, and has made over 100 national and international presentations at refereed conferences. Jim has been a consultant to the Institute of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control, Children's Hospice International, among others. He is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Human Services and continues as Director of Measurement and Statistics at the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius. Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive journeys shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives. Follow us at: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mentor.momentsMRA@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Instagram: @mentor.moments Website: https://www.mraeasternchapter.com/maryvillerc

Mentor Moments Season Four Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell. Dr. Frantz, a graduate of East Aurora High School in 1959, earned his BA from Grinnell College and his MA and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa before joining the University at Buffalo's Counseling Psychology Department in 1967, where he served for over 40 years until retiring in 2008. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Department Chair and Acting Dean, and focused on teaching and research, advising over 80 Ph.D. dissertations and publishing more than 50 works. A specialist in grief counseling, Dr. Frantz worked closely with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and founded multiple bereavement support groups, including Compassionate Friends. He led crisis response teams in schools and delivered over 1,300 presentations on bereavement and crisis intervention across the Northeast. Dr. Frantz also served on the boards of several hospice and mental health organizations and remained an active athlete, earning a skydiving certificate and completing solo cross-country bike trips, until a hip replacement sidelined him at age 65. He is supported by his wife Donna and children Karen, Wendy, Brian, and Serena. Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive journeys shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives. Follow us at: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mentor.momentsMRA@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Instagram: @mentor.moments Website: https://www.mraeasternchapter.com/maryvillerc

Dr. Heidi Horsley and Judith Olson talk about the support of The Compassionate Friends on their sibling journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and […] The post Judith Olson & Dr Heidi Horsley The Siblings of The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Judith Olson talks about the support of The Compassionate Friends on her sibling journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many […] The post Judith Olson: Twin Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Lisa Sambrano talks about her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Lisa Sambrano: Finding Friends Through The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Dr. Heidi Horsley talks about her journey as a sibling at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved […] The post Dr. Heidi Horsley: Surviving Siblings at The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Dennis Apple shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Dennis Apple: Where is God After a Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Cindy Tart talks about sibling groups at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Cindy Tart: The Compassionate Friends Siblings appeared first on Open to Hope.

Suzanne Axt shares her journey after the loss of her sister at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time […] The post Suzanne Axt: Sister Loss & Finding Support Through The Comapssionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Vic Cross shares his journey after the loss of his only child at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and […] The post Vic Cross: Childless Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jennifer Maguire shares her journey after the loss of her sister at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time […] The post Jennifer Maguire: Sibling Grief Groups appeared first on Open to Hope.

Ayelet Prizant talks about her sibling journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and […] The post Ayelet Prizant: Siblings Helping Siblings appeared first on Open to Hope.

Anna Heebl talks about her sibling journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and […] The post Anna Heebl: Chosen Family Through The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Dan Older talks about his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Dan Older: Connections at The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Zander Sprague talks about siblings at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Zander Sprague: A Sibling Journey No Matter What Age appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki talks about sibling groups at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki: Sibling Connections Through The Compassionate Friends appeared first on Open to Hope.

Mark Deegear shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Mark Deegear: Finding Hope in The Compassionate Friends. appeared first on Open to Hope.

Christal Pennic shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Christal Pennic: Grieve in Peace appeared first on Open to Hope.

Christal Pennic shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Christal Pennic: 3 Ways to Grieve in Peace appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jordon Ferber shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jordon Ferber: Laughter and Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jordon Ferber shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jordon Ferber: Honoring Siblings appeared first on Open to Hope.

Amy Fisher shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Amy Fisher: Transformation and Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Dr. Shirley Harvey shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Dr. Shirley Harvey: Moving Forward After a Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Barbara Warren shares her thoughts at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Barbara Warren: Hope After Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Steve Roberts shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Steve Roberts: Remembrance Book appeared first on Open to Hope.

Dr. Bob Baugher shares his thoughts at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. […] The post Dr. Bob Baugher: Anger in Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jill Colucci shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jill Colucci: The Healing Power of Music appeared first on Open to Hope.

Pamela Hagens shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Pamela Hagens: You Need Not Walk Alone appeared first on Open to Hope.

Millie Hunton shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Millie Hunton: Keeping Their Memories Alive appeared first on Open to Hope.

Colin Campbell shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Colin Campbell: Grief and Guilt appeared first on Open to Hope.

Colin Campbell shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Colin Campbell: Expressing Your Needs in Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki: Move Your Body appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jasmine Hill-Latta shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jasmine Hill-Latta: Finding Hope After Losing My Brother appeared first on Open to Hope.

Patti Miliotis shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Patti Miliotis: Issues After a Loss: Parental Alienation After Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Jason Wendroff Rawnicki: Moving Your Body to Music appeared first on Open to Hope.

Tanya Sutton shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Tanya Sutton: Resilience After a Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.

Holly Vingson-Ruiz shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Holly Vingson-Ruiz: Grief Help Near Me appeared first on Open to Hope.

Edward Urrea shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Edward Urrea: Journey Through Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Elizabeth Devita shares her journey At the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Elizabeth Devita: Expressing Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Steve Roberts shares his journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Steve Roberts: The 5 F's of Grief Journey appeared first on Open to Hope.

Holly Vingson-Ruiz shares her journey at the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Holly Vingson Ruiz: Supporting Others in Grief appeared first on Open to Hope.

Becky Adams shares her journey At the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Becky Adams: Loss of a Child By Suicide appeared first on Open to Hope.

Zander Sprague invites siblings to the National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Zander Sprague: Siblings Helping Siblings appeared first on Open to Hope.

Gene Caligari shares his journey At the 47th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends; an enriching and supportive event for many newer and long-time bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. https://www.compassionatefriends.org The post Gene Caligari: Coping with Sudden Loss appeared first on Open to Hope.