SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Tom Kiely explores the complex nature of grief, examining how our brains and nervous systems handle loss, and offering a compassionate perspective on navigating it. Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into the process of healing and the importance of staying connected.Key Topics· The neurobiology of grief: how the brainattempts to solve a problem it can't fix· Common misconceptions about grief stages and thenon-linear reality· The psychological and physiological responses toloss, including physical sensations· Models of grief: from stages to dual process,meaning-making, and continuing bonds· Practical strategies for processing grief:naming feelings, avoiding avoidance, staying connected· The importance of moving forward with love, notforgetting or leaving behindTimestamps00:00 - Personal story: reflecting on the loss of Dr.Kiely's father02:36 - How grief fragments memory andimpacts daily life04:01 - The social and academic fallout ofgrief05:21 - Recognizing that you're not yourselfduring grief07:15 - Creating a new self with a newrelationship after loss09:10 - A pivotal moment in therapy classthat revealed unresolved grief12:37 - Understanding that grief waits to beprocessed, not forgotten17:25 - The origins and limitations of thefive stages model23:47 - The dangers of comparing your griefto a timeline25:36 - The meaning-making model: rebuildingyour story after loss28:18 - Continuing bonds theory: stayingconnected in new ways33:46 - Moving with love rather than awayfrom the lost person35:01 - The neuropsychology of grief: brainregions involved and why it feels physical40:49 - Avoidance as a defense mechanism ingrief43:04 - Reframing the phrase "movingon" to "moving forward" with loved ones44:33 - Practical ways to live with loss andhonor your relationship45:54 - How to navigate grief intentionallyand compassionately46:24 - No right or wrong way to grieve:honoring your unique process47:18 - Naming feelings to reduce their power48:26 - The risks of avoidance and the valueof connection50:19 - Staying connected through memories, traditions,and internal dialogue52:02 - Giving yourself permission to carrygrief and love forward52:42 - Recognizing signs that support isneeded53:19 - The role of therapy in processinggrief56:17 - Encouragement to approach grief withpatience, compassion, and awareness· Thanks For Asking Podcast by Nora McInerney· Grief Never Really Goes Away: YouTube episode by Nora McInerney· On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross· Continuing Bonds Theory explanation· Neuropsychologicalaspects of grief (general overview) Subscribe🔔 Subscribe to access bi-weekly podcast episodes: [PODCASTLINK] Get In Touch With Dr. KielyPRIVATE PRACTICE WEBSITEPSYCHOLOGY TODAYLINKEDININSTAGRAMPsychology Todayhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us Suicide and Crisis HotlineDial 988https://988lifeline.org/MusicStreet Cred: Anteroshttps://uppbeat.io/t/anteros/street-credLicense code: W7XEHCU0U6DSGN9Q Firelight: Hemlockhttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/firelightLicense code: RKGF5N0ZRFQADJ9O Summer Pop Lemonade: SonicMoodhttps://audiojungle.net/item/summer-pop-lemonade/53371178License code: 14a92b7e-e924-4c82-9de5-f8aa3518b752 Poem: Soundrollhttps://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/poemLicense code: IF5E7OHG2FZLQTRN Ember: The Lakeshttps://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/emberLicense code: DEW9V7UFVY0KIDGM Rock Your Surfboard: Yeti Musichttps://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/rock-your-surfboardLicense code: 343U0UCD8ZHJYTR

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related