

A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
Apr 26, 2025
Patricia Harney, a clinical psychologist from Harvard Medical School, dives into the overlooked emotional aftermath of true crime narratives. She discusses the complexities of grief experienced by the families of murder victims, emphasizing their unique struggles and trauma. Harney highlights the importance of validation and empathy in healing, and critiques current inadequacies in trauma treatment. The conversation also explores prolonged grief disorder, addressing both its implications and misconceptions, providing a poignant reflection on the human cost of violence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Patricia's Personal Tragic Loss
- Patricia Harney lost her boyfriend David to a murder that went unsolved for 35 years.
- David was protecting a woman fleeing a violent partner when he was killed, highlighting his bravery.
Traumatic Grief Differences
- Traumatic grief intensifies common grief feelings and adds distinct elements like terror, anguish, and injustice.
- Unlike natural loss, traumatic death triggers fear of present danger rather than existential anxiety about death.
PTSD Symptoms in Traumatic Grief
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms like nightmares are common in traumatic grief but not in regular grief.
- Nightmares served as a key indicator of Patricia's persistent distress after her loss.