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In this week's episode, I am honored to host Susan Snow, a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the treacherous waters of trauma and loss.

Susan is an inspiring figure as an author, international speaker, and resiliency coach. Susan bravely opened up about her experience following the tragic death of her father, an LA police detective. Her candid discussion on coping with PTSD before it was widely recognized sheds light on the silent battles many face.

In this raw conversation:

• Susan shares her firsthand experience dealing with PTSD following the violent loss of her father at age 17.
• She discusses how the lack of mental health awareness in the '80s left her struggling alone with grief.
• We delve into how witnessing gun violence impacted Susan, leading to sleep deprivation and suicidal ideation.
• The podcast touches upon how trauma can affect familial relationships, highlighting Susan’s strained dynamic with her mother post-tragedy.
• We learn about Susan's path to resilience: from wearing an "emotional mask" to eventually finding a therapist who understood severe trauma.
• A pivotal moment occurs during our discussion when she recounts watching coverage of the Columbine High School shootings in 1999, which triggered flashbacks — illustrating how PTSD symptoms can persist over time without proper help.

Susan’s tale teaches us something vital: In sharing our stories openly without fear or shame, we permit others to do the same. We foster conversations that might be someone else’s lifeline or inspire them towards help they've been reluctant to seek out themselves.

RESOURCES:

• Book | The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency
• YouTube Box Breathing Tutorial for Anxiety

CONNECT:

• Website
• Instagram

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NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn

Support the Show.

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

Send Victoria a text message!

Grief is a teacher, a harsh one, but it comes bearing profound lessons.

In today's heart-touching episode of Grieving Voices, I sit down with Dave Roberts, whose personal odyssey through loss is nothing short of inspiring. He shares his intimate experiences following the passing of his daughter to a rare cancer.

From grappling with unimaginable pain to discovering a spiritual connection and wisdom beyond the veil - this episode isn't just about coping; it’s about transcending grief and embracing life in its entirety.

Key points covered in this episode:

• Dave reflects on three significant dates that changed his life.
• He discusses the rarity and severity of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which ultimately led to his daughter's passing just ten months after her diagnosis.
• The profound impact on Dave's life post-loss, including how none of his professional training prepared him for grieving as a father.
• His involvement with bereavement support groups helped him feel less alone but also prompted deeper reflection on what more he needed for healing.
• He discusses a chance encounter that opened up new spiritual pathways that transformed Dave's approach to grief, leading him to coauthor a book.
• The importance of continuing bonds with loved ones who have passed away is highlighted as an integrative process for moving forward while still honoring those we’ve lost.

Dave doesn’t hesitate to discuss raw emotions or societal expectations around male vulnerability. He dives deep into these topics, offering solace and understanding to anyone struggling silently.

Let Dave's words guide you through the darkness toward the light—because sometimes it takes hearing someone else's story to begin rewriting our own.

RESOURCES:

• Co-Authored Book
• The Teaching Journeys Podcast
• Bereaved Parents of the USA
• Grieving Voices | Ep 40 with Chris Kerr
• Netflix | Surviving Death

CONNECT:

• Author Website
• Personal Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis

Support the Show.

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

Send Victoria a text message!

In the quiet after-hours of our bustling lives, we often overlook the profound journeys that shape us. For today's episode, I had the honor of speaking with Denise Dielwart on Grieving Voices—a woman who turned her deepest sorrow into a beacon of hope for thousands.

After the sudden death of her husband left her in despair, Denise discovered that traditional methods of dealing with grief weren't effective. This realization led to the development of the Flow Grief Release Method - an innovative approach designed to expedite healing from years to months.

Denise's method challenges conventional wisdom about grieving and recovery timeframes. Instead of following prescribed stages or waiting on time to heal wounds, she advocates for proactive steps towards reclaiming one’s life after loss. Her focus is not just coping but transforming lives and finding joy again.

During our conversation, Denise shares candidly about:

• The shock and turmoil following unexpected bereavement.
• The inadequacy she felt while engaging in talk therapy.
• How questioning "Who am I?" post-loss was pivotal in redefining herself beyond being a wife or mother.
• Why widowhood is often misunderstood as a form of grief – it involves adjusting to numerous small changes that significantly impact daily life.
• Practical advice on navigating finances and legal matters after losing a spouse.
• Feeling emotions deeply rather than suppressing them as part of the healing journey is essential.

Denise emphasizes taking action over merely talking through pain and introduces us to her FLOW acronym: Feel your emotions fully; let go of what holds you back; overcome obstacles by addressing underlying issues; become whole by embracing your new identity post-grief.

RESOURCES:

• Ep 68 Ken Ross
• Grief Recovery
• FB Group
• Podcast | Grief Unlocked

CONNECT:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are strugglin

Support the Show.

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.