Gina Moffa on Why "Moving On" Doesn't Mean "Letting Go"
I had such a great discussion with Gina Moffa for this episode. Gina is a therapist specializing in grief and loss, and she has a brand-new book out this week: Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss. I was honored to read an advance copy and provide an endorsement for her terrific book.
Perhaps the best way I can introduce our discussion is to share what I wrote about her new book:
“If you don’t have a therapist on speed dial—or even if you do—Gina Moffa’s Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go will walk with you through the disorienting and devastating experience that is grief. Helpfully, she tackles both the inner grief journey and navigating the world at large while grieving. Moffa shares important information on the mind-body connection as it relates to the grief experience, helping us understand how important it is to listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us. An important chapter called ‘Grief’s Sister, Trauma’ is not to be missed. A must-read for those who are grieving the loss of someone close.”
Summary of Key Points:
Gina Moffa's Expertise: Gina Moffa is a therapist specializing in grief and loss. She has written a book titled "Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss".
Understanding Grief and Loss: Moffa emphasizes the importance of understanding the grief journey, both internally and in navigating the external world while grieving.
Grief's Relationship with Trauma: An essential part of the book and Moffa's work is exploring the intersection between grief and trauma, highlighting their interconnected nature.
The Mind-Body Connection in Grief: Moffa shares insights on the mind-body connection in grief, emphasizing the importance of listening to the body's signals during the grieving process.
Misconceptions About 'Moving On': The podcast discusses societal pressures to "move on" or "let go" after a loss. Moffa challenges these notions, advocating for the continuous presence of the loved one in the griever's life.
Navigating Grief as a Widowed Parent: The podcast tailors its discussion towards parents who have lost a spouse, focusing on the unique challenges they face in redefining their roles and managing grief while parenting.
The Importance of Grief Education: Moffa stresses the need for more education and understanding of grief in therapeutic practices and everyday life.
Finding the Right Support: The importance of finding a therapist or support system that is knowledgeable about grief and trauma is discussed, emphasizing the significance of a safe and understanding environment for grievers.
Gina Moffa's Personal Grief Journey: Moffa shares her personal experience of losing her mother, providing a first-hand account of the grief process and its impact on her life.
Dealing with Secondary Losses: The episode touches on the concept of secondary losses that often accompany major grief events, such as changes in living situations, jobs, or other aspects of life stability.
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