All In The Mind
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.
29:56
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Experiencing murder-related grief involves unique emotional challenges, including intensified anguish and feelings of injustice, distinguishing it from typical bereavement.
- Community support and open conversations about grief are vital for healing, yet those affected by murder often face isolation and stigma.
Deep dives
Understanding Traumatic Grief
Experiencing a loss through murder leads to a distinct type of grief that differs significantly from other forms of bereavement. This type of grief often entails intensified feelings of anguish, injustice, and terror due to the traumatic nature of the death, especially when the circumstances are violent and unexpected. Unlike non-traumatic grief, which may involve sadness and longing for the deceased, those who endure traumatic grief might grapple with nightmares and intrusive thoughts, exacerbating their suffering. The psychological impact of such losses can complicate the grieving process and lead to symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
