#74: Understanding Grief: Myths, Realities, and the Taboo of Loss with Dr Monika Wieliczko (Grief Series Part 1)

Have you ever wondered if your grieving experience is “normal” or struggled to find the right words about loss?

This week, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and grief specialist, Dr. Monika Wieliczko. We have an open conversation about the realities of grief. Together, we explore why grief often feels isolating, how and why society shies away from openly discussing bereavement, and the profound ways grief can affect both mind and body.

Drawing on personal stories and clinical expertise, we dispel common myths (like the famous stages of grief model) and emphasise that there is no single correct way to grieve. Monika also shares a free online resource, the Grief MOT, designed to help individuals check in on their grief journey and access helpful tools.

Highlights include:
05:56 Understanding grief responses
11:39 The Surreal state of loss
14:24 Examining the stages of grief
20:10 When grief becomes traumatic
25:17 Secondary losses and practical challenges
29:29 The cognitive impact of grief
33:06 Resources for grief support - The Grief MOT

This week's guest:
Dr Monika Wieliczko is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. She has worked within the NHS as well as private and charitable organisations in the UK since 2011. She trained at various universities across the UK and Poland and completed her doctoral studies at the Canterbury Christ Church University.

Apart from running her private practice, Monika works part-time in a secondary care mental health service in South East London where she specialises in helping people with complex mental health presentations including depression, anxiety, trauma and personality disorders. Monika is also a visiting lecturer at The Institute of Psychiatry in London delivering teaching for trainee clinical psychologists.

Website
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The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.