This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
An Update & A Pause
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this brief episode, I explain what's been going on for me and why I need to take a hiatus. Contact: [email protected] **NOT ACCEPTING T...
Prepping for the Holidays
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ye...
Multiple Losses within a Short Period of Time
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Grief to Gratitude Retreat
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Some Considerations Before Establishing a Daily Routine
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
When You Want to Rush the Healing Process
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Writing Prompt for 8/2/24
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode contains a writing prompt. I periodically offer such prompts to help you navigate your grief process. Contact: [email protected]...
Checking In
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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@...
Writing Prompt - 6/28/24
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. Co...
An Invitation to Journal Coaching
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Spiritual Bypassing
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Signs You're Doing Okay
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"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...
Writing Prompt - 5/24/24
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a writing prompt related to grief. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] For therapy inquiries (Pennsyl...
Different Levels of Grief
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I talk about how the level of grief experienced can vary among losses, depending upon a few factors. Contact: [email protected] or starfis...
Doing the Bare Minimum in Grief
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. C...
Writing Prompt - 4/26/24
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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@starfishco...
The Grief Associated with Transitions
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What To Do When You Don't Have Support
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I talk about support systems in this episode and what to do if you don't have one. Contact: [email protected] or starfishcounselingfor...
Bonus Episode: Writing Prompt #2
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
The Juggling Act of Grief
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Handling Grief When You're Depressed
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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&#...
BONUS EPISODE: Writing Prompt for 2/23/24
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 prompt...
Secondary Losses
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes the grief journey gets complicated when we discover we are actually grieving more than one loss. I talk about the existence of secondary los...
Let the Low Be
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I share how I'm getting through a low period of my life. Contact: [email protected] For therapy inquiries (PA residents only), go to w...
Season 3 Trailer & Updates
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I talk about a few topics that will be appearing in Season 3 of this podcast and share some updates. Contact: [email protected] or starfis...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 13: Looking Ahead
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 gri...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 12: You Can Do This!
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 11: Finding Joy
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 wa...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 10: Handling Memories
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 9: Grief Splurges
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about what grief splurges are and how they can help you cope with grief. Contact: [email protected] or starfishcou...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 8: Checking In
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
BONUS EPISODE - Grief Meditation
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a short guided meditation for grief. You may want to have a notebook or journal handy for this episode. Contact: [email protected]...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 7: The Bare Minimum – Gift Giving
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 6: The Bare Minimum - Meals & Activities
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about how to approach meal prep and social activities when you're grieving during the holiday season. Contact: lori@star...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 5: Doing the Bare Minimum - Decorating
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 4: What If You Don't Celebrate?
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 3: Tending to Your Feelings
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Feelings, feelings, feelings - those pesky feelings. They seem more acute during the holiday season when you're grieving. This episode takes a loo...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 2: What Is Your Plan?
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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: lor...
The Holidays & Grief, Part 1: Embrace the Suck
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What Happens in Grief Counseling?
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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:...
The Second Year of Grief
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Cultural Approaches to Death & Grief
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Styles of Grief
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Making Decisions in Grief
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why Grief Support Groups Work
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 men...
Traumatic Grief (aka Grief after Traumatic Loss)
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
(REPLAY) How to Help Yourself or Someone Who Is Grieving
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 abou...
Caregivers & Grief
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I talk about some of the nuances of grief associated with being a caregiver. Contact: [email protected] or starfishcounselingforgl@g...
The Tasks of Mourning
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go over the "Tasks of Mourning," as posited by grief researcher Dr. J.W. Worden. Dr. Worden believes each griever complet...
When the Calls & Texts Stop Coming
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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@starfis...
The Physics of Grief, Part 2: How Grief Affects the Body
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
The Physics of Grief, Part 1: How Grief Affects the Brain
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I dive into the science behind grief and its impact on the body and mind in Part 1 of a 2-part miniseries. Today's episode talks about the brain. ...
What To Do When Others Don't Understand Your Grief
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As much as we wish it to be so, sometimes the people around us can't or won't understand our grief. I go over five suggestions to navigate thi...
Creative Activities to Process Grief, Part 2: Children (& Teens)
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of a two-part miniseries on this topic, I list a few fun and creative ways to help children and teens process grief. For more activity s...
Creative Activities to Process Grief, Pt. 1: Adults
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about a few creative activities for adults to use to help them process grief. I only mention a few in this episode. For the en...
How To Handle Grief Triggers
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is devoted to grief triggers - what they are and how you can handle them. I give you a simple 4-step process to deal with triggers...
The Best & Worst Comments to Say to Someone in Grief
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I offer a list of 10 useful and not-so-useful comments to say to someone who's grieving, based on my own professional and personal experiences. ...
Writing for Wellness - June Class
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I will be offering another "Writing for Wellness" class on June 25 at 2 p.m. EDT. During the 90-minute class, we will explore the month'...
How to Help Yourself or Someone Who Is Grieving
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I list several ways to help yourself in grief or someone else. These are tangible, doable suggestions that will help you undergo the ...
Grief Over What Never Was
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I go deep in the intangible here as I discuss a certain type of grief that often goes unsaid. I provide examples of this type of grief along with a fe...
Types of Loss, Part 5: Loss of Health or Way of Life
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the last episode of the miniseries on Types of Loss, I talk about the nuances involved with a loss of health and/or way of life. Got a grief topi...
Types of Loss, Part 4: Loss of Faith
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TW: spiritual abuse, religious abuse, abuse I talk about Loss of Faith and two subtypes of this loss. I also talk about my own experience of loss of ...
Types of Loss, Part 3: Loss of a Pet
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Pet Loss, Description of Pet Loss In Part 3 of this miniseries on Types of Loss, I talk about a loss that is very close to me personally - Loss o...
Types of Loss, Part 2: Loss of a Job
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of this miniseries on types of loss, I discuss job loss and how it can impact who we are. I also throw in a tiny suggestion to j...
Types of Loss, Part 1: Loss of a Relationship
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the grief related to the loss of a platonic relationship. There is much talk about when a romantic relationship ends, but n...
Grief and Anxiety
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I talk about how anxiety can show up in grief and why that is. I also offer some ways to navigate anxiety. Contact: [email protected]...
Conflicted Grief
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share what conflicted grief is and how it can manifest. I also share some personal details about how this type of grief impacted me...
Loss of a Parent
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Death of a parent can stir up a multitude of emotions. I mention and dive into a few of them on this episode and I also provide some gentle suggestion...
Children & Grief, Part 2: How to Help a Child Grieve
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is Part 2 of a two-part miniseries on children and grief. If you care for a child who has lost someone, I encourage you to tune into toda...
Children & Grief, Part 1: What Does Grief in a Child Look Like?
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is a common misconception that children do not grieve. In this episode, I explain how grief in children does exist and how it manifests, dependi...
Loss of a Child
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Child loss In this episode, I talk about the nuances involved when you lose a child and I offer a few suggestions you may want to consider when it...
Pregnancy Loss, Part 3: Getting Pregnant Again After Loss
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Pregnancy Loss Today's episode is about the emotions and thoughts I experienced, and perhaps you have too, after getting pregnant again after loss...
Pregnancy Loss, Part 2: Abortion
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Abortion In this episode, I talk about the grief that can ensue after an abortion experience and how that grief can become disenfranchised. ...
Pregnancy Loss, Part 1: Early Term Loss & Stillbirth
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The purpose of this podcast has always been about spreading knowledge about grief and loss because knowledge is power. In the interest of that, I star...
Disenfranchised Grief, Part 3: Lesser Known Losses
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode focuses on losses that aren't commonly considered losses, and for that reason, they often lead to disenfranchised grief. The losses I ...
Disenfranchised Grief, Pt. 2: Pregnancy Loss
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I continue this miniseries on losses that can result in disenfranchised grief by focusing on pregnancy loss. CW: Pregnancy loss Contact Info: lo...
Disenfranchised Grief, Pt. 1: Suicide Loss
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I talk about disenfranchised grief, which is a type of grief that not a lot of people know about. I also talk about how loss by suicide relates ...
Anticipatory Grief
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another season of this podcast! On the first episode of the second season, I talk about the phenomenon of anticipatory grief. Remember that...
Grief & The Holidays: Time for Introspection
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The end of a year is often a time to go within, think about what has happened in the last 12 months and consider what you'd like to do in the new year...
Grief & The Holidays: The Emotional Seesaw
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk about the ups and downs of grief during the holidays and why I think this happens. Contact: [email protected] or www.star...
Grief & The Holidays: How I Coped
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I get real personal and talk about how I coped during the holiday season after a few of my losses. I also talk about how my coping st...
Grief & The Holidays: Sadness Intensified
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about how sadness can intensify during the holidays as it relates to grief. I also talk about what has helped me navigate sadn...
Grief & The Holidays: Guilt & Managing Others' Expectations
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the next episode of this series on grief and the holidays, I take a look at ways in which guilt can spring up and how others' expectations can impa...
Grief & The Holidays: Tis Not the Season
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I continue the miniseries on grief and the holidays by discussing ways you can celebrate or not celebrate the holidays when you're grieving. Expect sh...
Grief & The Holidays: Do I Have to Do This?
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today is the start of a series of shorter episodes on grief and the holidays. Running through December 30, this series will take a look at what partic...
Busting Myths about Grief - Part 5
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I tackle the last two myths about grief to conclude this five-part miniseries. I also share something special I'll be doing to help you navigate...
Busting Myths about Grief - Part 4
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I share a little tough love in this episode as I continue to debunk myths about grief. In Part 4 of this series, I talk about feelings in grief and wa...
Busting Myths about Grief - Part 3
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third of a 5-part series on busting myths about grief. In this episode, I talk about the myths of "There's only one way to grieve," and "Y...
Bonus Episode: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month in the United States, and October 15 is International Wave of Light Day commemorating all the b...
Busting Myths about Grief - Part 2
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I continue dismantling some common myths about grief in an effort to reduce stigma about the grief process. Today, I take on two more myths in the sec...
Busting Myths about Grief - Part 1
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Grief is one of those topics that carries a lot of stigma and misunderstanding, creating untruthful beliefs and myths that end up hurting rather than ...
Defining Grief and Loss
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Before I dive headlong into this podcast, I thought it would be helpful to go over some common terms so you know where I'm coming from. I define grief...
An Introduction & A Question - Why Grief?
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the inaugural episode of the podcast which focuses on grief, loss and life afterwards. As a licensed counselor and someone who has had multipl...
Trailer - Introduction to "This Thing Called Grief"
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the trailer for "This Thing Called Grief: Navigating Life After Loss" featuring your host, Lori Peters, a licensed grief counselor and veteran...