The Beachfront Therapist

Grief: What to Say AND What NOT to Say

Episode 39

We all face loss. When a child dies, however, it is a particularly brutal, life-altering loss. As caring bystanders and mental health professionals, we may not know how to respond, help, or approach those who are grieving. We're worried we'll say the wrong thing and upset the grieving person, and therefore might end up doing nothing at all. Today we are joined by Anita Swartley, grief coach and Founder of Mosaic Restorative Coaching and Kristin Kane Ford, Founder of the Kellan Ford Foundation. Both have lost children to illness and both are on a mission to help others navigate grief. These two women share their inspirational, messy, heart-wrenching, yet hopeful stories. They discuss myths and misconceptions of grief as well as the grief process and the less talked about symptoms of the grief experience. Finally, they talk us through the practical experience of parenting their other children after the loss of a child and offer practical advice on the best ways to walk alongside those who are grieving. 


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