Dr. Linda Shanti McCabe on the Art of Grief
I had such a great discussion with Dr. Linda Shanti McCabe for this episode. We haven’t tackled the topic of art and how it can help with grief on the show before, so I was excited to talk with Linda about that as well as her program called the Art of Grief which is starting soon. Linda is a widowed parent herself, and she’s also a licensed clinical psychologist. Listen, too, as she shares the major change she made shortly after her husband’s death, and what she’s planning as her son prepares for his 13th birthday.
Summary of Key Points:
Personal Experience with Grief: Linda shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her husband to pancreatic cancer, highlighting the profound impact it had on her and her approach to grief and healing.
Art and Grief: The conversation delves into the therapeutic potential of art in the grieving process. Linda discusses her program, "The Art of Grief," which explores how creative expression can aid in processing and understanding grief.
Professional Background: Linda is a licensed clinical psychologist and a registered expressive arts therapist. She has a significant background in eating disorder recovery before focusing on grief counseling and expressive arts therapy.
The Book "After Your Person Dies": Linda authored a book titled "After Your Person Dies," which includes affirmations for dealing with grief, making meaning, and moving forward after loss. This work reflects her professional expertise and personal experience.
Grief's Complexity: The discussion emphasizes the complexity and non-linear nature of grief. Linda critiques the commonly referenced "five stages of grief," suggesting that while descriptive, they do not fully encapsulate the grieving process.
Post-Traumatic Growth: Linda is interested in the concept of post-traumatic growth, which posits that significant personal development can emerge from the challenges of dealing with profound loss. She compares this to the transformative experience of becoming a parent, noting the permanent changes it brings.
Integrating Grief: Linda talks about integrating grief into one's life, moving forward rather than moving on, and the importance of creating new meanings and identities in the wake of loss.
Parenting Through Grief: The episode touches on the challenges of parenting through grief, particularly in the absence of a deceased parent. Linda plans to create a rite of passage for her son as he turns 13.
Practical Adjustments: Linda discusses the practical adjustments and decisions she faced after her husband's death, including moving from California to New York to be closer to her family.
Grief Counseling and Expressive Arts: Finally, Linda's work in grief counseling and expressive arts therapy is presented as a means to support others through their grief journeys, leveraging her professional skills and personal insights to facilitate healing.
Links & resources for this episode
Linda’s program The Art of Grief
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, by David Kessler
More links for listeners
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Help Texts - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://helptexts.com/jennylisk
BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent
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