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The Dr. John Delony Show

Grief Expert: Why Grief Demands a Witness (With David Kessler)

Dec 23, 2024
David Kessler, a world-renowned expert on grief and author of 'The Sixth Stage of Grief Workbook,' dives deep into the intricate nature of grieving. He emphasizes the necessity of having a witness in the grieving process and how storytelling helps in healing. Kessler explores the impact of virtual support during the pandemic and its surprising effectiveness. He also highlights the importance of teaching children about loss, using personal experiences to illustrate the profound life lessons that grief can impart.
47:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Grieving is a unique and individual process that does not conform to a set timeline, making personal experiences valid and essential.
  • The importance of community, whether online or in-person, is highlighted as a crucial support element in processing grief and sharing emotional experiences.

Deep dives

The Nature of Grief

Grief does not adhere to a specific timeline, and each person's experience is unique and valid. Individuals may find themselves grappling with loss for years, unable to return to normalcy or engage in relationships. Emphasizing the role of a witness in the grieving process, the discussion highlights the necessity of sharing one’s story, allowing for deeper emotional connections and validation. The acknowledgment that societal norms often neglect grief underscores the need for open conversations surrounding loss and its complexities.

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