Universal Lessons from Grief: Ashlee Boyson, Author of One Day - A Child’s Journey Through Grief and Loss

When Ashlee Boyson answered her door at age 28 to find detectives bearing unimaginable news—her husband murdered, an affair revealed—she became a widow with five children, including a six-week-old baby. In this powerful episode of the Virtual Couch, Tony Overbay, LMFT,  explores how this defining moment led Ashlee to become not just a survivor but a guide for others navigating grief's complex terrain. Her groundbreaking book "One Day: A Child's Journey Through Grief and Loss," illustrated by her daughter Bostyn, takes a revolutionary approach by deliberately omitting facial expressions and colors—creating space for authentic emotions rather than prescribing how one "should" feel when grieving.

Beyond the book, Tony and Ashlee dive into the messy truth of grief—how contradictory emotions can coexist, why well-intentioned comfort often invalidates emotional reality, and practical strategies for creating genuine healing. With moments of unexpected laughter amidst profound wisdom, they explore how Ashlee's journey led her to develop courses on infidelity and widowhood, practice foot zoning, and, most importantly, help parents understand that there's no "right way" to grieve. Whether you're personally experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a masterclass in compassionate presence and emotional intelligence that transcends age, making it essential listening for anyone seeking to process grief authentically.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

01:35 Introducing Ashley Boyson

02:10 Ashley's Incredible Story

03:27 Ashley's Journey Through Grief

03:54 Discussing Ashley's New Book

12:04 The Healing Power of Foot Zoning

17:40 The Importance of Emotional Awareness

26:35 Addressing Children's Emotional Pain

27:06 Recognizing and Validating Emotions

27:45 Personal Experiences with Suppressed Emotions

28:52 Navigating Grief and Loss

30:33 Complex Emotions and Healing

31:30 The Importance of Open Communication

32:25 Balancing Past and Future Fears

34:11 Encouraging Emotional Expression in Children

35:51 Handling Grief Triggers

43:45 The Role of Truth in Healing

46:21 Final Thoughts and Resources