If you’ve ever carried guilt after a devastating loss or wondered if joy is possible again, episode 352 is for you. Psychotherapist P. Shavaun Scott shares how she survived her husband’s revenge suicide—and slowly found her way back to laughter, trust, and purpose. Through honest storytelling and clinical wisdom, she reveals how narrative therapy, safe relationships, and even dark humor can support healing. This powerful episode offers hope for anyone navigating grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(1:34) The power of narrative therapy

(2:49) Writing as a tool for grief

(4:32) How community shapes our healing

(6:06) Shifting the story after suicide

(10:12) Learning to trust again

(14:28) What healing really looks like

(19:41) Creating a gentle life

(27:42) The turning point: Laughter in the pool

In today's episode, I'm joined by P. Shavaun Scott, a licensed psychotherapist, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience supporting those healing from trauma and loss. Specializing in narrative therapy, she’s worked with both victims and perpetrators of violence. Her books—including The Minds of Mass Killers and her memoir Nightbird—blend clinical insight with personal experience. Based in Oregon, Shavaun also lectures on mental health and personal transformation, helping others reframe pain and rediscover meaning through writing, therapy, and connection.

Throughout this episode, Shavaun offers both professional insight and personal reflection on grief and healing. She shares how writing Nightbird helped her move from guilt after her husband’s suicide to clarity and self-compassion. She emphasizes the value of narrative therapy, strong support systems, and creative self-care practices. Whether through therapy, time in nature, or finding joy in small moments, her story reminds us that transformation is possible—even after deep loss.

Connect with P. Shavaun Scott:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

X

Bluesky

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Book: Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you live in the moment? Are you doing what you love to do?

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt isolated in your grief or unsure how to move forward after a major loss, episode 350 is for you. Jen Newberg, widow and founder of It’s Lifey, shares how she transformed her pain into purpose by creating retreats and support spaces for others navigating life after loss. Learn how connection, storytelling, and even unexpected tools like writing can become powerful pathways to healing—and why community is essential when rebuilding your life.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(2:40) Why Jen founded It's Lifey and how a retreat in Costa Rica inspired her mission

(5:35) Building a grief retreat from scratch—and why she’s focused on in-person connection

(9:10) How grief support circles offer more than comfort: they create deep bonds

(11:40) The unexpected healing power of writing—even for people who don't see themselves as writers

(15:00) How grief creates a ripple effect—and how to show up as a “grief ally”

(18:45) The trauma of sudden loss abroad and navigating bureaucracy after her husband’s death

(21:40) Why storytelling helps shrink grief—and how your narrative evolves over time

(24:30) Finding purpose through pain: why Jen views her work as a tribute to her late husband

(28:50) What “grief growing smaller” really means, and why the firsts are the hardest

In today's episode, I'm joined by Jen Newberg, a Boston-based entrepreneur and community-builder who turned the sudden loss of her husband into a mission to support others through grief. Drawing from her own healing journey and background in nonprofit leadership—including her role at Boys & Girls Clubs of America—Jen founded It’s Lifey, a retreat and support organization for people navigating major life transitions, especially young widows.

Throughout this episode, Jen shares how creating It’s Lifey helped her rediscover purpose and connection, and why in-person community is central to healing. She reflects on the unexpected power of writing and storytelling—even as someone who never considered herself a writer—and how simple support, like a weekly text, can mean everything. Her insights remind us that while loss is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be faced alone—and that even in deep grief, purpose and joy can be found.

Connect with Jen Newberg:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Book: Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.