In this episode of The Grief Lounge, I sit down with Rachel Hart, who shares her powerful story of navigating immense loss and finding love again. Rachel opens up about losing her father, mother, and husband at a young age, including the heartbreaking experience of her husband's death by suicide. We discuss the emotional challenges that followed, the weight of being labeled as 'strong', and the conflicting feelings when a parent remarries. Rachel emphasises the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, seeking support, and understanding that even in the darkest times, things can change. She also delves into her journey with spirituality, her belief in signs and synchronicities, and the bittersweet experience of starting a family without her parents. Join us as Rachel talks about finding love again, the importance of recording memories, and the need to consistently show up for those who are grieving. This heartfelt conversation is filled with insights, hope, and the reassurance that growth and happiness are possible after profound loss.

You can connect with Rachel at @lovelossdiscoballs

Here are some links that Rachel would like to share to help anyone who needs support

https://uksobs.com/ (Survivors of bereavement by suicide)

https://www.thecalmzone.net/ (Campaign against living miserably)

If you would like to connect with others who are also grieving the loss of their person please come and join us at @thegrieflounge on facebook

you can find me on instagram here @thegriefcoach_uk

If you would like to work with me you can go to my website for more information www.thegriefcoachuk.com

In this conversation, Sadie interviews Sarah Mann Shaw, a drama therapist and psychotherapist, about working with children and young people who are experiencing grief and loss. Sarah explains that drama therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that uses play, metaphor, and creative expression to explore and process internal emotions. She emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and empowering young people to make choices in therapy. Sarah also discusses the different ways grief can manifest in children and young people, including the impact of neurodiversity and adoption. She offers insights on supporting children through grief rituals and the ebb and flow of the grieving process. This insightful conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand and support grieving children.

Keywordsgrief, loss, children, young people, therapy, drama therapy, psychotherapy, therapeutic relationship, neurodiversity, adoption, rituals, ebb and flowTakeaways

• Drama therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that uses play, metaphor, and creative expression to explore and process internal emotions.
• The therapeutic relationship is crucial in supporting children and young people through grief and loss.
• Grief can manifest in different ways in children and young people, and it is important to consider factors such as neurodiversity and adoption.
• Supporting children through grief rituals and acknowledging the ebb and flow of the grieving process can be helpful.
• Parents and caregivers should be attuned to their child's nonverbal cues and apologise when they make mistakes in supporting their child's grief.

00:34 Introduction and Overview of Drama Therapy and Psychotherapy

04:49 Grief and Loss Beyond Death: Separation, Adoption, Foster Care

06:41 The Impact and Internalization of Loss

08:59 Working with Grief in Children and Young People

11:43 Building Therapeutic Relationships with Children and Young People

13:03 An Embodied Approach to Grief and Loss

18:56 The Unique Challenges of Neurodiverse Individuals

20:52 The Impact of Adoption on Grief and Loss

25:42 The Lack of Support and Understanding in Society

27:37 Supporting Grieving Children in Schools

29:04 The Importance of Rituals and Mourning in Communities

30:00 Supporting Children through Rituals and Memory Boxes

33:55 Parenting and Supporting Grieving Children

36:37 Effective Communication about Grief and Loss

38:43 Continued Support and Understanding for Grieving Children

42:28 Seeking Professional Help for Grieving Children

Please come and join The Grief Lounge Community on Facebook here www.facebook.com/groups/thegrieflounge/

You can also find me on Instagram here @thegriefcoach_uk

If you would like to know more about this weeks incredible guest Sarah Mann Shaw you can find her herehttp://www.sarahmannshaw.co.uk/

Summary

In this episode of The Grief Lounge, Sadie reflects on her recent climb of Scafell Pike and the striking parallels between this physical challenge and the emotional journey of grief. She shares how grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain, often leaving us unprepared and overwhelmed. Sadie underscores the importance of seeking professional help and support, just as she relied on guides for her climb. She talks about the value of taking one step at a time, focusing on the progress made, and trusting oneself in the face of adversity. Sadie encourages listeners to believe in their own capabilities and to seek out moments of joy amidst the sorrow.

grief, challenge, mountain, climb, support, journey, personal, professional help, trust, capabilities, joy

• Grief is a personal journey, much like climbing an immense mountain.
• Professional help and support are essential for navigating grief.
• Focus on taking one step at a time and celebrate the progress you've made.
• Trust in your own abilities and believe in yourself.
• Even in grief, it's possible to find moments of joy.

• "We are thrown into grief, a challenge we are not trained for."
• "Focus on how far I've come as opposed to how far I've got to go."
• "Navigating grief without professional help is like climbing a mountain without a guide."

00:00 - Celebrating the Achievement of Climbing a Mountain
02:54 - The Symbolism of Mountains and Grief
06:16 - Focusing on Progress and Self-Belief
08:50 - The Importance of Professional Help and Support
12:37 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges
19:03 - Discovering Personal Capabilities and Potential
23:28 - Closing Remarks and Looking Forward

Join the community page on Facebook here www.facebook.com/groups/thegrieflounge/

you can find me on instagram here @thegriefcoach_uk