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Mary-Frances O'Connor

Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona and a world expert on the science of grief and loss. She directs the Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Laboratory.

Top 10 podcasts with Mary-Frances O'Connor

Ranked by the Snipd community
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325 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 2h 34min

Healing From Grief & Loss | Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor

In this discussion, Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, a leading expert in grief, delves into the brain’s response to loss and the critical role of emotions like guilt and anger. She explains the danger of getting stuck in grief and shares strategies for honoring memories while moving forward. The conversation highlights how grief can affect physical health and the importance of community support. O'Connor emphasizes the complexities of love intertwined with loss, promoting self-compassion and resilience as key elements in the healing journey.
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61 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 53min

Navigating Grief and Spiritual Gifts with Dr. Mary Francis O’Connor

Dr. Mary Francis O’Connor, author of 'The Grieving Brain' and 'The Grieving Body,' dives into the profound effects of grief on both the mind and body. She discusses innovative concepts like 'mental mapping' and the importance of physical health during mourning. O’Connor offers insights on transforming emotional pain into resilience and emphasizes the need for support in navigating loss. The conversation also touches on practical ways to embrace spiritual gifts and the 'law of divine overflow,' encouraging listeners to cultivate abundance and connection with their higher selves.
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15 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 32min

Can You Really Die of a Broken Heart? The Hidden Dangers of Grief, with Mary Frances O'Connor

Mary Frances O'Connor, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona, offers compelling insights into how grief affects both the mind and body. She discusses the startling link between profound loss and serious health risks, including heart attacks and immune system issues. O'Connor argues for a shift in how society and healthcare view grief, advocating for grief as a medical concern that requires careful attention. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the need for better support systems and coping strategies for those navigating the complex terrain of loss.
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8 snips
Jun 17, 2024 • 20min

The Grieving Brain: How to Navigate Emotions After Loss with Mary-Frances O'Connor

Neuroscientist Mary-Frances O'Connor discusses the neurological aspects of grief, explaining how the brain processes loss. She highlights the importance of social support and offers coping strategies. The episode explores the emotional journey of grief and the concept of post-traumatic growth.
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7 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 18min

What Happens To Your Body When You’re Grieving

Mary-Frances O'Connor, a clinical psychology and psychiatry professor at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Body, reveals how grief profoundly impacts both mind and body. She discusses the startling statistics showing heightened risks of heart attack and stroke following the loss of a loved one. O'Connor emphasizes the link between emotional pain and physical health, explaining how grief can lead to increased inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system. She advocates for understanding grief as a natural process requiring self-compassion.
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5 snips
Dec 18, 2021 • 15min

What happens in our brain when we grieve — and how it helps us stay afloat

Psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor, author of "The Grieving Brain," shares insights on how our brains process grief as a learning and healing opportunity. She discusses the emotional chaos of loss, using vivid analogies to articulate the feelings that arise. O'Connor explains how grief affects identity and contrasts normal grieving with prolonged grief disorder. She also addresses the unique challenges faced by those mourning during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting personal loss to broader historical experiences.
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May 19, 2025 • 60min

The Grieving Body: What Really Happens When You Lose Someone | Mary-Frances O'Connor

Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD, a psychology professor and author, dives into the compelling link between grief and physical health. She highlights how grief manifests in the body and the importance of nurturing oneself during loss. O'Connor discusses the differences between transient grief and prolonged grief disorder, as well as the risks associated with grief on health. With a focus on community support and self-compassion, she encourages embracing emotions and finding joy even in sorrow, transforming loss into an opportunity for healing.
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May 1, 2025 • 24min

Is It Prolonged Grief or Depression? Understanding the Differences

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a psychology professor and author, delves into the crucial differences between prolonged grief and depression. She highlights how grief can physically impact health, with revelations about heart risks following a loved one’s death. O’Connor shares effective coping strategies for managing loss, emphasizing the importance of therapy over quick fixes. Listeners will discover the signs that differentiate normal grieving from prolonged grief, ultimately guiding them or their loved ones toward healing in times of deep sorrow.
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Mar 5, 2025 • 11min

Can the Stress of Loss Be an Opportunity for Healing?

Mary-Frances O’Connor, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, dives into the profound connection between grief and our physical health. She highlights how loss can alter vital health markers like blood pressure and heart rate, showcasing the body's response to emotional turmoil. O'Connor emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions during mourning and explores effective coping strategies. Ultimately, she reveals how the stress of loss can also present opportunities for healing, helping us navigate our grief with a deeper understanding.
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Feb 17, 2025 • 27min

Grief In The Body: How To Use Loss As An Opportunity For Healing

Mary Frances O'Connor, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, dives into the intricate relationship between grief and physical health. She reveals how intense grief can strain the cardiovascular system, especially in men, and discusses mindfulness techniques that can aid healing. The conversation also addresses the critical need for better support systems in the medical field for those navigating loss, highlighting the benefits of social connections and ongoing research in grief interventions.

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