On today's episode, I'm joined by Lara Krawchuk, a grief expert and IFS certifed therapist, to explore how the Internal Family Systems model helps us understand and tend to grief. We discuss continuing bonds, meaning making, ambiguous loss, grief-worthy losses, and unbraiding current loss from exiled trauma. While I have parts that avoid thinking about and discussing grief, Lara offers such a hopeful perspective on the grieving process and I'm so excited to share this episode with you.
Key Takeaways:
- Grief is not about severing bonds, but shifting how we relate to them.
- Disenfranchised grief, like the end of a relationship or loss of health, is grief-worthy too.
- Grief invites us to explore the deeper meaning behind our losses and what they reveal about ourselves.
- Grief is both/and -- we are allowed to feel both grief and joy.
- Welcoming grief, rather than trying to "move on," is crucial for healing.
- Turn towards grieving parts and allow them the space to be heard and honored.
- The importance of "unbraiding" exiled pain from present losses: "Does the part know this is different from the original Exile is has always protected?"
- Continued bonds with those we've lost can be a profound source of comfort.
Favorite Quote: "Self is not freaked out by grief. Self is an exquisite witness to all pain." — Lara Krawchuk
About Lara: Lara Krawchuk is the owner and clinical director of Healing Concepts in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and the co-founder of Healing Perspectives, a continuing education resource for helping professionals looking to heal themselves, help their clients, and heal a broken-hearted world. She is an IFS certified therapist and consultant, a speaker, adjuct professor, and author with a passion for supporting those living with grief.
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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and IFS Level 1 practitioner.
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