Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each individual differently.

In this episode of the Delgado Podcast, Dr. Jacob Sermeno, LCSW highlights the importance of distinguishing between adaptive grief, a normal response to loss, and complicated grief, which involves prolonged symptoms like avoidance, hyper-attachment, or significant daily impairment. Recognizing these differences helps clinicians provide tailored support to those struggling to process loss.

Cultural factors and societal norms play a significant role in how grief is expressed. Jacob emphasizes the need for cultural humility, encouraging clinicians to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where clients can process their emotions authentically. Whether navigating cultural expectations or personal barriers like suppressed emotions, clinicians can empower clients to grieve in ways that honor their experiences while promoting healing.

Jacob also shares advice for those supporting grieving loved ones. Simple acts of presence, such as listening without judgment or offering a kind word, can provide immense comfort. He reminds us that grief is not linear and that it’s okay to have both good and bad days. Whether you’re a clinician or a friend, understanding and respecting the grieving process is essential to providing meaningful care.

Conversation includes:

The clinical distinction between adaptive and complicated grief.
Signs of dysfunctional grief and when to intervene therapeutically.
Strategies for clinicians to build rapport with grieving clients.
The role of cultural humility in addressing diverse grief practices and expectations.
How grief affects biopsychosocial functioning
Addressing avoidance and hyperattachment in complicated grief presentations.
Techniques to support emotional expression while maintaining professional boundaries.
Practical advice for grief-adjacent individuals supporting loved ones or colleagues.
Understanding the Kubler-Ross model: utility and limitations in modern practice.
Encouraging self-awareness and self-compassion in the grieving process.

About Dr. Sermeno
Dr. Jacob Sermeno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience addressing chronic mental health concerns, cognitive impairments, and aging-related challenges. His work spans end-of-life care in hospice and nursing homes, geriatric psychiatric program development, and mental health support within corrections. Jacob’s research focuses on reducing recidivism among incarcerated individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), where he has pioneered treatment and discharge planning initiatives for SMI-focused housing units in San Bernardino County. Committed to advancing the field, he aspires to a career in education to equip future professionals with evidence-based practices for working with vulnerable populations.

In this episode of the Delgado Podcast, Dr. Jyoti Mishra, a neuroscientist and associate professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego, discusses the growing field of climate trauma and its effects on mental health. Dr. Mishra provides an in-depth analysis of how environmental disasters like wildfires contribute to collective trauma, impacting entire communities with symptoms such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunctions, including decision-making challenges and difficulty maintaining focus. Drawing from her research, Dr. Mishra explains how the brain's threat response, often referred to as "fire brain," becomes hyper-aroused in the aftermath of trauma, leading to short-term and long-term psychological and neurological effects.

This episode offers practical strategies for mental health professionals and community leaders to address climate trauma effectively. Dr. Mishra highlights the importance of interventions such as psychological first aid, mindfulness practices, and physical activity to build resilience during the acute and chronic phases of recovery. She also explores the role of eco-therapy in helping survivors reconnect with nature to promote healing and discusses the need for community-wide approaches to address collective trauma. For clinicians, this conversation offers evidence-informed insights into understanding and treating the unique mental health challenges posed by climate-related disasters.

Learn more about her work:
https://neatlabs.ucsd.edu/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyoti-mishra-neatlabs/

Books referenced:
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Brain-Jyoti-Mishra/dp/B0B3Q5BRRM/
https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Kids-Our-Climate-Changing/dp/B0CVK8SN9M/

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Hanna Reichel, an associate professor of Reformed Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. In this interview, Dr. Reichel shares their unique journey of faith, from growing up in Germany with minister parents to exploring various religious communities..

Discover how Dr. Reichel's global perspective on faith informs their understanding of the universal nature of the church and its diverse expressions across cultural contexts. Dive into their experiences within Catholic and Protestant settings, where doctrinal differences posed challenges and opportunities for belonging.

Explore the intersection of theology with politics, economics, and justice as Dr. Reichel emphasizes the importance of inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities. Gain insights into fostering understanding, making room for diverse identities, and creating environments of support.

This conversation delves into the complexities of faith and identity, highlighting the need for open dialogue and affirmation in religious spaces.

Topics:
00:00 Dr. Hanna Reischel: Academic research and theological interests
01:31 Global Faith Perspective & Diverse Expressions of Faith
03:52 Navigating Doctrinal Differences and Belonging in Faith Communities
07:07 Social Service Work in Argentina
08:30 Unpacking the Church's Role in Dictatorships and Colonialism
10:20 Theological Intersections with Politics, Social Justice, & Economics
12:03 Academic Research on Faith and Social Justice in Lebanon
15:27 Dealing with Dissatisfaction with Certain Churches
18:08 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Believers and Non-Believers in Church
21:23 Affirmation and Expression of God's Love Through the Church"
22:56 Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals in Your Local Congregation
25:55 On Writing "After Method: Queer Grace, Conceptual Design, and the Possibility of Theology"
29:27 The Language of Design Theory for Understanding Theology
32:37 The Weaponization of Sin: Marginalized Identities Discredited and Pathologized
33:28 Queer Theological Perspectives on Sin and Solidarity
34:38 Critical Theory and Pervasive Structures in Our World
36:58 Understanding Queer Grace & Queerness of God

Blog:
https://www.mikedelgado.org/podcast/hanna-reichel/

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/j4kRMOL24gM