Grief 2 Growth Interview with Brian Smith - Part 2

I had the privilege of appearing on Brian Smith’s Grief 2 Growth podcast for a second time. In this episode, we explore some of the most challenging aspects of grief—regrets, forgiveness, and the trauma that often accompanies profound loss.

Addressing Regrets and Forgiveness

One of the hardest parts of losing someone we love is dealing with regrets. The “what ifs” and “if onlys” can haunt us, keeping us trapped in a cycle of guilt and pain. In this conversation, I share:

• How I dealt with the regrets that plagued me after Shaun’s death
• The journey toward forgiving myself
• Why forgiveness is essential to healing (even when it feels impossible)
• Practical steps for working through regret and guilt

Understanding PTSD After Loss

What many people don’t realize is that traumatic loss can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After Shaun’s sudden death, I struggled with PTSD for years—nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and overwhelming anxiety.

In this interview, I discuss:

• What PTSD looked like for me after Shaun’s death
• The impact it had on my daily life and relationships
• How I found help and hope

The Power of EMDR Therapy

One of the most transformative tools in my healing journey was EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. This evidence-based treatment for trauma helped me process the traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of my PTSD symptoms.

I share:

• What EMDR therapy is and how it works
• My personal experience with EMDR
• The breakthroughs I experienced through this treatment
• Why I believe EMDR can be a powerful tool for anyone dealing with traumatic grief

Listen to the Full Interview

You can listen to this episode on the Grief 2 Growth podcast:

Listen: Grief 2 Growth Podcast

Resources for Healing

If you’re struggling with PTSD or traumatic grief:

• Seek professional help from a trauma-informed therapist
• Consider EMDR or other evidence-based trauma treatments
• Be patient with yourself—healing takes time
• Know that you don’t have to walk this path alone

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To learn more about my healing journey and the tools that helped me, read my book Grief Warrior.