On today's episode, I'm joined by Lara Krawchuk, a grief expert and IFS certifed therapist, to explore how the Internal Family Systems model helps us understand and tend to grief. We discuss continuing bonds, meaning making, ambiguous loss, grief-worthy losses, and unbraiding current loss from exiled trauma. While I have parts that avoid thinking about and discussing grief, Lara offers such a hopeful perspective on the grieving process and I'm so excited to share this episode with you. 

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is not about severing bonds, but shifting how we relate to them.
• Disenfranchised grief, like the end of a relationship or loss of health, is grief-worthy too.
• Grief invites us to explore the deeper meaning behind our losses and what they reveal about ourselves.
• Grief is both/and -- we are allowed to feel both grief and joy. 
• Welcoming grief, rather than trying to "move on," is crucial for healing.
• Turn towards grieving parts and allow them the space to be heard and honored.
• The importance of "unbraiding" exiled pain from present losses: "Does the part know this is different from the original Exile is has always protected?" 
• Continued bonds with those we've lost can be a profound source of comfort.

Favorite Quote: "Self is not freaked out by grief. Self is an exquisite witness to all pain." — Lara Krawchuk

About Lara: Lara Krawchuk is the owner and clinical director of Healing Concepts in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and the co-founder of Healing Perspectives, a continuing education resource for helping professionals looking to heal themselves, help their clients, and heal a broken-hearted world. She is an IFS certified therapist and consultant, a speaker, adjuct professor, and author with a passion for supporting those living with grief. 

Check out The One inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store

Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger.

Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and IFS Level 1 practitioner.  

Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start. 

Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website

Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program.  

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or two of The One Inside Podcast please contact Tammy at tammysollenberger@comcast.net