Anticipatory Grief: Understanding and Coping Before the Loss

In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor explores the complexities of anticipatory grief, which occurs before an actual loss. She defines it as a real and valid form of grief that can be emotionally exhausting and often misunderstood. Through a personal story about her grandmother, Dr. Taylor illustrates how anticipatory grief can manifest and offers practical tools for coping. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings, staying present, preparing for the future, and seeking support. Dr. Taylor advocates for normalizing conversations around anticipatory grief to provide better understanding and support for those experiencing it.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:27 Understanding Anticipatory Grief

02:35 Story Time with Heather: Grandma's Journey

08:56 Coping Strategies for Anticipatory Grief

12:17 The Importance of Acknowledging Anticipatory Grief

14:16 Conclusion and Resources

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

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Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

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Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.