Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss when anger arises on one's grief journey. Although not experienced by everyone, anger is not unusual when grieving. Anger is often a protection mechanism for underlying feelings, and it’s important to acknowledge and honor what is coming up for you. Holly and Elizabeth share their own experiences with anger, why anger may surface in relation to loss, as well as helpful tools and techniques for releasing anger in a healthy and supported way.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has madeit her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join me as I welcome my dear friend and guest, Holly Richard, as she shares her personal story of losing her son to glioblastoma, finding a supportive community during the grieving process, connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences, and finding purpose in her pain. Holly’s grief inspired her to write a book, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey, about her heartbreaking experience.

Holly Richard has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She served as President & CEO of Tammy Lynn Center for eight years, leading strategic growth and expanding services. After the loss of her son, Derek, to glioblastoma in 2019, she became an advocate for brain cancer research and published One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey (available on Amazon). Currently, she is Special Projects Advisor for The Arc of North Carolina. Holly also serves on the Board of Advisors for Duke’s Tisch Brain Tumor Center and advocates for improved services for both the IDD and brain cancer communities.

Here are several helpful resources that Holly recommends:

Facebook Page for D-Rex Defenders

Facebook Page Brain Tumor-Loss of a Child/Children

Website for D-Rex Defenders Team for Angels Among Us Saturday, April 26, 2025

Holly Richard’s Book: One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey

YouTube Channel for D-Rex Defenders

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (⁠available on Amazon and Audible⁠) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You canlearn more on her website: ⁠https://www.hercreativewellness.com

As we step into a new year, the passing of time can feel especially heavy for those experiencing grief. In this episode, Holly and Elizabeth explore how the New Year impacts the grieving process, sharing personal stories and practical strategies to help listeners find a balance between difficult emotions and hopeful moments.

The episode features a transformative four-part reflection exercise designed to help listeners process their grief in the New Year. The questions are:

1. What is one thing you would like to hold onto from 2024 and bring with you into the new year?

2. What is one thing you would like to release from 2024?

3. What is an intention or goal you would like to set for 2025 (not to be confused with a resolution)?

4. What is one way you would like to honor your loved one in 2025?

Holly and Elizabeth offer thoughtful guidance on approaching these questions, emphasizing the importance of self-care and flexibility. They also share their own answers and encourage you to answer them for yourself.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com