Why Grief Never Ends (and Why That’s Okay)

IN THIS EPISODE:

Dani and Anna, who are both therapists specializing in grief, discuss their experiences and challenges related to grief therapy.

SUMMARY:

In this episode, therapists Dani and Anna dive deep into their experiences with grief and cultural practices surrounding it, particularly the creation of ofrendas for Día de los Muertos. They discuss the emotional complexities and mixed reactions associated with setting up an ofrenda in their office for the past three years. Dani, coming from a Mexican family, highlights how these practices bring her comfort and help embrace her culture, while Anna reflects on her own journey of adopting these practices despite concerns over cultural appropriation. They both share how this tradition has fostered a space for communal grieving and cultural appreciation within their work environment.

Dani speaks about her work with clients dealing with various forms of loss, including anticipatory grief and the grief of losing relationships with living people. Anna reflects on the long-lasting impact of losing her mother at a young age and how it has shaped her worldview and therapeutic practices. Together, they explore the profound connections formed through grief work, the importance of embracing one's emotions, and the value of creating spaces for grieving within therapy. They urge listeners to seek support, emphasizing the transformative power of having someone to share the burden of grief, whether through therapy, support groups, or spiritual guidance. The episode concludes with a reminder that grieving is a personal journey, and it's essential to make room for one's emotions and experiences.

TOPICS:

Día de los Muertos, Grief, Counseling, Personal Journey, Mental Health Support

KEY FIGURES:

Anna Kim, LCSW

Dani Marrufo, lmft

Kindman & Co.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Grief is deeply personal and ever-evolving. Both therapists emphasize that grief doesn’t follow a timeline or end point — it changes form over time but never fully disappears. As Anna puts it, “you won’t be yourself again,” because loss fundamentally reshapes who we are.

2. Grief takes many forms — not just death. Dani underscores that grief can come from heartbreak, estranged relationships, or identity-based losses. These “living losses” are just as valid and painful as the grief that follows death, and society often fails to make room for them.

3. Connection and companionship ease the weight of grief. Both therapists reflect on the power of being with someone in their grief — not fixing it, but holding space. They describe the therapeutic relationship as a place where grief can be witnessed and carried together, reducing its isolation.

4. Grief deepens our capacity for meaning and appreciation. While acknowledging the pain, Anna and Dani recognize that grief can enrich life. It brings perspective, empathy, and a greater awareness of life’s fragility and beauty — even if that awareness comes at a profound cost.

KEY QUOTES

“You can’t go back. There’s only one direction of time — it’s forward.” — Anna

“All of a sudden you’re on the other side of a piece of glass from everyone you’ve known… they can see you, but they can’t see the glass.” — Anna

“I can connect with people because I know what it’s like to be in that deep of a place. I don’t really like small talk anymore because I know there are bigger things we’re all carrying.” — Dani

“It is so powerful to not be alone. Don’t do it alone.” — Anna

CALL TO ACTION

Today's episode is bringing you to Delicias Bakery and Some, a local highland park bakery where you can get your pan de muerto for your ofrenda. And Our House Grief Support Center - Offering specialized grief groups.

Look out for the transcript of this episode on the Kindman & Co. blog and sign up for the Kindman & Co. newsletter to stay connected.

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