As the holidays draw closer, grief often becomes louder—not because it’s out of control, but because we keep asking it to stay quiet at the table. In Part 2 of our conversation with registered psychotherapist Suzanne Trotman, we move beyond well-meaning clichés and vague advice to explore what grief actually is—and why so many people feel like they’re doing it “wrong.”

Together, Brad and Grace unpack the differences between loss, grief, and mourning, why grief is not something you “move on from,” and how describing it as a neat, linear journey can actually cause harm. Drawing from both profound personal loss and years of clinical experience, Suzanne invites us to understand grief as a language that must be learned—one that speaks through the body, emotions, memories, and moments that arrive without warning.

The Sacred Sofa explores why the holidays intensify grief, how to lower expectations without giving up hope, and why joy and sorrow are not opposites—but often companions.

For those who hold faith, we gently sit with the spiritual questions grief raises—without rushing toward answers that may comfort the helper more than the hurting. This episode is for grievers, for those who walk alongside them, and for anyone willing to admit that grief doesn’t need fixing—it needs fluency. 🤍🕯️

In this two-part conversation on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into one of life’s unavoidable storylines: tragedy—and the grief that follows 💔. Joined by registered psychotherapist Suzanne Trotman, whose professional work is deeply shaped by her own losses, they explore what grief really is (spoiler: it’s not something you simply “get over”), why it shows up far beyond death, and how ill-prepared most of us are to respond.

Together, they unpack common myths, the real needs of mourners, the quiet dread of holidays and New Years, and the awkward things well-meaning people say when they don’t know what else to do.

This isn’t a roadmap through grief—because there isn’t one—but a grounded, honest conversation for anyone grieving, supporting someone who is, or noticing that life is more grief-adjacent than we often admit 🌿.

We’re taking a short pause, but don’t worry — we’ll be back soon with something truly special for the holiday season. Cozy up, make some tea, and get ready to join us on December 11 for a heartfelt holiday episode featuring a very special guest.

Stay tuned… this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎄💛