In this moving episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Lotte Bowser shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her partner Ben to cancer and COVID-19 complications. She discusses the profound challenges of grief, the impact of his illness and death on her life, and the arduous process of rebuilding her life anew. Lottie reflects on various therapeutic practices, including writing and journalling, which helped her process pain and find a semblance of resolution. The conversation delves into the physical nature of grief, radical self-compassion, and the complexities of starting a new relationship while mourning. Lottie opens up about societal pressures surrounding grief, the duality of life balancing grief and joy, and reentering the dating world. She emphasises the importance of community support, the interplay of sex and death, and the need for sensitivity and understanding from others. This episode offers listeners insights into the enduring nature of grief and the resilience required to embrace new beginnings.
00:35 Facing the Greatest Challenge: Loss of a Partner
03:39 Coping with Grief and Finding Joy
06:22 Rebuilding Life After Loss
11:16 Navigating New Relationships
21:44 Seeking Support and Connection
23:10 Finding Strength in Numbers
24:32 Choosing Life Amidst Grief
24:59 Radical Compassion and Self-Permission
25:30 The Unfixable Nature of Death
27:02 Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously
27:40 The Taboo of Sex and Grief
31:12 Writing as a Therapeutic Outlet
33:42 Physical Manifestations of Grief
34:46 The Universal Experience of Grief
36:41 The Duality of Bittersweet
38:19 Living Fully After Loss
48:32 The Creative Endeavour of Relationships
50:21 Complexity in Different Types of Bereavement
Find Lotte Bowser:
Instagram: @lottebowser
Read her book, Bittersweet: https://amzn.eu/d/4TMzEmV
Listen to her podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VffRbs0rN3U2BC3qJ8wW1?si=b04773d8c32a4622
Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips. Follow me on @juliasamuelmbe.And for more info, check out my new website: juliasamuel.co.uk.
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