If you’re navigating the pain of divorce, it’s likely you’ve encountered references to the so-called “five stages of grief.” While the idea of a structured grief process can be comforting, the truth is more complex. Divorce doesn’t unfold in a neat, predictable order. And neither does grief.Instead of guiding people through the process of grief,
Divorce may be common in modern times, but that doesn’t lessen the impact. The grief that comes with divorce is often minimized—by others and sometimes even by ourselves.Because it’s so common, people might assume you’re “fine” once the paperwork is done. Or they may have no idea how to support you. But this kind of
Mother’s Day might feel tender, heavy, or unexpectedly calm. However it finds you this year, know this: Your grief matters. Your bond still exists. And you get to shape how you carry your mother’s memory forward.Grieving on Mother’s Day can bring a unique kind of ache. For some, it’s the absence of a mother who
The first Mother’s Day without your mom is one of the most emotionally challenging days of the year. Whether the loss was sudden or followed a long illness, the absence can feel sharp, surreal, and hard to name.This holiday, so often wrapped in pastel flowers and picture-perfect cards, can bring a flood of memories—and a
Sometimes a thought shows up again and again—like a knot in the mind you can’t untangle. In the last post, we explored helpful vs. harmful grief-related thoughts. Today, we’ll put one of those into practice: gently shifting the way we hold a painful thought.This isn’t about finding silver linings or making yourself feel better than
In Grief Rumination Spiral: Helpful vs. Harmful Thoughts, we explored the kinds of thoughts that help grief move and the kinds that tend to keep us stuck. If you’ve begun to notice your own patterns, you’re already doing the most important part: bringing awareness to what’s happening inside you. Now let’s talk about what to do
In our first post, we explored The Grief Rumination Spiral—how looping thoughts can arise and why they’re so common in grief.Not All Thoughts Are Created EqualWhen you’re grieving, your mind is full—and sometimes loud. Some thoughts offer comfort, while others only seem to fuel the pain. But it can be hard to tell the difference,
When Grief Gets Stuck in a LoopHave you ever noticed your thoughts circling around the same painful place? You’re washing dishes or driving or trying to sleep, and suddenly—there it is again. The same “what if.” The same image. The same sentence you’ve already replayed a hundred times. Grief has a way of pulling us into
Frederick, MD — The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) has named Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, as the recipient of the 2025 Clinical Practice Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to the field of thanatology through innovative, evidence-informed grief support. The award was presented at ADEC’s annual conference in Albuquerque, NM by colleague and former
In many bereavement organizations, support systems for professionals are an afterthought—if they exist at all. While strong boundaries help, the reality is that compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout can still take hold. It’s not a personal failing; it’s a natural response to deep, empathetic work. The real issue isn’t that it happens—it’s that so