Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor cover art

Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

By: Dr. Heather Taylor PsyD Psychologist
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 Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief and trauma, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you’re navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. Tune in for honest stories, practical tools, and a reminder that your grief—and how you carry it—is valid. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.© 2024 Grief is the New Normal Psychological Services All Rights Reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E33 The Grief You Don’t See: Healing After Sexual Assault With Kristina Spurlock, LMHC, on EMDR, justice, and rebuilding identity after trauma.

    Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E33 The Grief You Don’t See: Healing After Sexual Assault With Kristina Spurlock, LMHC, on EMDR, justice, and rebuilding identity after trauma.
    Jun 5 2025
    *Trigger Warning: Sensitive Content Ahead In this episode of Grief is the New Normal (Episode 33), we speak with Kristina Spurlock, LMHC, about the deeply personal and painful realities of sexual assault trauma and grief. Please be advised: This conversation includes discussions of sexual violence, emotional trauma, and the grieving process that may be activating for some listeners. If you are currently in crisis or need support, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or call a crisis line in your area. Your mental and emotional safety comes first. Please listen with care. ----------------------------------- Understanding Grief and Trauma with Kristina Spurlock In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes therapist Kristina Spurlock, LMHC to discuss grief and trauma. Kristina shares insights about her journey into therapy, her experience with EMDR, and her work with sexual assault survivors. The conversation covers the complexities of grief, including the unacknowledged grief over outcomes that didn’t materialize and the importance of addressing trauma responses. The episode also delves into the influence of societal structures on grief and trauma and emphasizes the significance of supportive therapeutic relationships. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how to navigate the layered experiences of grief and trauma, providing valuable insights for both clinicians and those personally affected. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:26 Meet Kristina Spurlock: Trauma Specialist 00:52 Kristina's Journey into Therapy 07:15 Understanding Trauma Responses 09:54 Navigating the Legal System as a Survivor 18:28 The Importance of Consent Education 27:12 Understanding Emotional Responses from Childhood Trauma 29:26 Exploring EMDR and Grief Processing 32:01 The Nuances of Grief in Therapy 38:51 The Impact of Political and Social Context on Grief 42:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways on Grief and Therapy ----------------------------------------------------------- Kristina Spurlock, LMHC is an EMDR therapist who has been helping clients process trauma since 2016. She has worked in community mental health, and hospitals, and currently owns her private practice called Health Insight Counseling. She specializes in adult clients who have experienced sexual assault trauma, first responder trauma, dissociation, and childhood trauma. Find her on instagram at @Healthinsightcounseling ------------------------------------------------------------ Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership ------------------------------------- Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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    51 mins
  • Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E32 The Politics of Grief: How We Mourn While Fighting Back

    Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E32 The Politics of Grief: How We Mourn While Fighting Back
    Jun 2 2025

    Collective Grief: Navigating Pain in a Troubled World

    In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the concept of collective grief, highlighting the emotional toll of societal and systemic issues, especially on marginalized communities, amid political and social upheavals. She explains how grief manifests in various forms, such as burnout, rage, and emotional numbness, and emphasizes the importance of naming and acknowledging this grief. Dr. Taylor provides practical steps for managing these overwhelming feelings, such as setting boundaries, expressing emotions safely, and finding supportive communities. She encourages listeners to recognize their grief, protect their well-being, and remain hopeful amid adversities.

    00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

    00:35 Current Events and Collective Grief

    01:18 Understanding Systemic Grief

    04:34 Recognizing and Naming Grief

    05:24 Coping Strategies for Grief

    07:29 Finding Hope Amidst Grief

    08:57 Conclusion and Resources

    ---------------------------------------------

    Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

    Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

    No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

    https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

    hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

    www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

    Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

    Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

    Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

    -------------------------------------

    Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns

    Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

    All Rights Reserved.

    This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E31 How Do You Heal What Was Never Held? Perinatal Loss with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW

    Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E31 How Do You Heal What Was Never Held? Perinatal Loss with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW
    May 29 2025
    Navigating Perinatal Loss: A Deep Dive with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, converses with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW, on her work and experiences with perinatal loss. Caitlin shares her journey from working with spinal cord injury patients in a busy NYC hospital to specializing in maternal mental health. The conversation delves into the complexities of perinatal grief, often an under-recognized form of grief involving hopes and milestones never reached. Caitlin discusses strategies to help families process their grief, including creating memory spaces and integrating grief into daily life. They also explore the societal challenges of perinatal loss and the critical role of communication and ritual in honoring lost babies. For those supporting someone through such a loss, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help navigate this complicated and intense type of grief. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:28 Meet Caitlyn Silverstein: A Journey in Maternal Mental Health 03:06 Understanding Perinatal Loss and Disenfranchised Grief 06:44 Navigating Grief: Strategies and Support 11:24 Empowering Grievers: Reclaiming the Narrative 15:24 Emotional and Physical Reactions to Perinatal Loss 20:09 Understanding Grief: Moving Through, Not Moving On 20:19 The Integration of Grief 22:19 Visualizing Grief: The Paper and Circle Analogy 25:09 The Importance of Naming and Integrating Grief 27:53 Grieving as a Couple and Family 30:39 Rituals and Practices to Honor Grief 32:25 Using Social Media for Grief Support 34:18 Final Thoughts and Resources --------------------------------------- Caitlin Silverstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of The Nurtured Bloom Therapy LCSW, P.C., specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, grief, and women’s mental health. Based in Long Island, NY, Caitlin brings her years of bedside experience from major New York hospitals into her boutique private practice, offering a deeply compassionate space for women facing the heartbreak of perinatal loss, the challenges of high-risk pregnancies, the identity shifts of motherhood, and the silent grief that goes unseen. She holds advanced certifications including Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Evergreen Certifications), International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence Certified Provider (Star Legacy Foundation), and Postpartum Mental Health Certification (Postpartum Support International). Connect with Caitlin: Instagram: @caitlinsilversteinlcsw Website: www.caitlinsilversteinlcsw.com Resources: https://perinatalexcellence.org/ https://rtzhope.org/ https://postpartum.net/ https://whatsyourgrief.com/growing-around-grief/ ------------------------------------------------ Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership ------------------------------------- Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This...
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    38 mins
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