If you’ve ever felt completely shut down after a loss—unable to cry, think, or even get out of bed—this episode reveals why that happens and how to gently bring yourself back to life, one small step at a time.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ashley Milus, a trauma-informed somatic grief and life transition coach who helps individuals navigate the emotional and physical toll of loss—whether through death, divorce, chronic illness, or other major life changes. Her practice is deeply informed by her own journey through complex personal grief, including serious health challenges and the loss of loved ones. Ashley supports clients in reconnecting with their bodies, regulating their nervous systems, and gently moving through emotions that feel overwhelming. With compassion and a strong understanding of trauma responses, she creates safe, validating spaces where healing can begin. Through this integrative somatic approach, Ashley helps people rediscover their sense of self and move forward with renewed strength and clarity. She also offers free consultations for those curious about exploring this path.

Throughout this episode, Ashley offers meaningful insight into how somatic healing addresses grief not just as an emotional or mental challenge, but as a full-body experience. She explains how our nervous systems instinctively protect us through responses like numbness or shutdown, and how working with these patterns can support deeper, lasting healing. Drawing on her own lived experiences, she illustrates how reconnecting with the body can restore a sense of safety, presence, and vitality. Ashley also shares practical, compassionate ways to support those experiencing grief, especially in the wake of sudden or traumatic loss. Her emphasis on listening, presence, and authentic connection brings depth to the episode—and reminds us that healing begins not with fixing, but with truly being there for one another.

Tune in to episode 334 as Ashley Milus shares how her personal journey through illness and loss led her to become a somatic grief coach—helping others heal by reconnecting with their bodies, regulating their nervous systems, and finding safety, presence, and meaning after profound grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What is Somatic Healing? (3:12)

Why we shut down during grief (5:30)

Working with the nervous system (6:33)

The power of compassionate presence (9:30)

Storytelling as a healing tool (10:32)

Supporting someone after sudden or traumatic loss (13:34)

A personal story of transformational support (15:51)

How to be the right kind of support (19:41)

Rethinking condolences: Why “Sorry for your loss” isn’t enough (21:46)

What to say: Creating comfort through connection (24:03)

Connect with Ashley Milus:

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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Together we can change the world if we all practice unconditional love.

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

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Most companies give grieving parents just three days to "move on"—but what happens when the real pain begins on day four? We explore the deeper reality of child loss, the healing power of grief retreats, and why workplaces must do better to support employees through unimaginable loss.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Kelly McDyre, the President and CEO of the Child Loss Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. With more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, Kelly has dedicated her career to creating compassionate spaces for healing through retreats, resources, and workplace programs. Her work is deeply personal—sparked by the sudden death of her 12-year-old nephew in 2010, which led her to walk alongside grieving families with empathy and purpose. Kelly previously served as Executive Director at Faith’s Lodge, where she helped establish a sanctuary for bereaved parents, and later played a key role in its merger with the Believe Foundation to form the Child Loss Foundation. She also founded Child Loss at Work, an innovative program designed to help employers provide meaningful support to grieving employees.

Throughout this episode, Kelly offers heartfelt insights into her journey and the impact of the Child Loss Foundation’s work. She shares how the organization came to life through the merging of two powerful missions—Faith’s Lodge’s retreat-based healing model and the Believe Foundation’s practical financial support. Kelly introduces listeners to the foundation’s expanding national reach and its goal to create more accessible grief retreats across the country. She also explains how Child Loss at Work is transforming the way employers approach grief in the workplace, advocating for more compassionate policies and better understanding. With warmth and wisdom, Kelly reminds us that while grief never fully fades, it can coexist with joy—and that no parent should ever have to navigate loss alone.

Tune in as Kelly McDyre shares how her family’s loss inspired her to create healing retreats for bereaved parents and workplace programs that bring empathy, connection, and space for both grief and joy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Meet Kelly McDyre and the Child Loss Foundation (1:00)

The origins: Faith’s Lodge and the Believe Foundation Merge (1:45)

Kelly’s personal connection to child loss (6:00)

Retreats as safe spaces for grieving parents (9:50)

Expanding the reach of grief retreats (10:30)

Grief and joy can coexist (15:00)

What not to say to a grieving parent (20:30)

Fixing grief support at work: The “3 days off” problem (24:00)

Loss at work: A program to transform workplace compassion (25:30)

Writing, rituals, and the lifelong nature of grief (31:30)

Connect with Kelly McDyre:

Website - Child Loss Foundation

Facebook - Faith’s Lodge

Instagram - Faith’s Lodge

Kelly’s LinkedIn

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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