442. The 6th Stage of Grief with David Kessler
Psychologists Off the Clock
Introducing the Sixth Stage: Meaning
Kessler introduces meaning as a sixth stage—excavating pain to reveal who we become after loss.
What if grief isn’t something to “get over” but something that can lead us toward meaning, connection, and healing?
Jill interviews David Kessler, a leading expert on loss and healing. They discuss Kessler's background, his books, especially Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, and his journey through personal grief, including the loss of his son.
David shares insights on the stages of grief, differentiates between practical and emotional grief, and stresses the importance of finding meaning and community in the healing process.
He also touches on the role of children at funerals and the concept of continuing bonds with deceased loved ones. Tune in for invaluable perspectives on enduring and transforming through profound loss.
Listen and Learn:
- How David's life was transformed by severe personal trauma and loss into a path devoted to assisting others in overcoming grief
- Why grief is a natural consequence of choosing love and connection rather than a defect or failure
- David’s more expansive definition of grief
- Challenging the idea that grief has a timeline and how healing isn’t about “ending” grief, but learning how to carry it differently
- The non-linear and deeply personal journey of loss and what it takes to show up for yourself in the hardest moments
- How facing grief head-on can transform pain into growth and reveal unexpected meaning in life’s hardest moments
- Why some people seem to sail through grief while others struggle silently
- How meaning often hides in the small, unexpected moments of life and loss
Resources:
- Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781501192746
- David’s Website: http://Grief.com
- Grief Educator Certification with David Kessler: https://www.davidkesslertraining.com/certification
- Tender Hearts Online Grief Group: https://www.davidkesslertraining.com/tender-hearts-fb21
- Connect with David on Social Media:
- https://www.youtube.com/@iamdavidkessler
- http://instagram.com/iamdavidkessler
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kessler/
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Kessler
About David Kessler
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on loss and healing. His decades of experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He is the author of seven books including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, as well as a new Finding Meaning Companion Workbook. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Life Lessons and On Grief and Grieving. He co-wrote You Can Heal Your Heart with Louise Hay and also wrote Visions, Trips and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.
His article in the Harvard Business Review, titled, The Discomfort You Are Feeling is Grief went viral and was named one of “The Most Influential and Innovative Articles from Harvard Business Review’s First Century. His talk with Brené Brown was the #1 podcast in the world. He also hosted his own Spotify Podcast called Healing with David Kessler.
He has a unique place in pop culture as one of his books being the premise for the season premiere of The Walking Dead and he was a question on Alex Trebek’s Jeopardy. His new online model of grief support, Tender Hearts, offers over twenty-five groups. Additionally, David leads one of the most respected Grief Educator Certification programs. He is the founder of Grief.com.
Related Episodes:
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116. Building a Meaningful, Values-based Life with Jenna LeJeune
117. Bearing Unbearable Loss: A conversation About Grief with Joanne Cacciatore
157. The Art of Dying Well with Katy Butler
351. You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman
384. Understanding Grief and Loss with Meghan Riordan Jarvis
419. Break Up on Purpose with John Kim
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