Episode Details

We live in a culture that encourages us to numb discomfort and find quick solutions to our problems. However, grief defies these norms. It is a complex and ever-evolving experience that cannot simply be "gotten over." When faced with an unexpected loss, we find ourselves unprepared for the tumultuous journey of grief and uncertain about its duration. In such times, seeking assistance and support from hospice becomes invaluable, as they can guide us in navigating and coping with grief in a healthy way. It is natural for us to feel like we're more capable of managing our grief early on, but we must not undermine our grief by denying ourselves the support and solace that hospice bereavement services can offer. In this episode, Aly Bird talks more about grief and the tools you need to navigate through grief positively to transform your perspective and empower yourself with greater agency and comfort.

Aly Bird is a coach, author, hospice volunteer, registered psychotherapist with qualifying status through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Since her husband's untimely death, Aly has poured her heart into helping those who feel hopeless during unexpected crises. Her extensive studies of grief psychology and culture, combined with her devastating first-hand knowledge, led her to create a road map for the courageous and dedicated individuals willing to show up for themselves and the people they love with unconditional love, empowerment and reverence. As a speaker, coach and registered psychotherapist, Aly is committed to changing the way our culture recognizes and handles grief. To aid in her mission, Aly has authored Grief Ally: helping people you love cope with death, loss, and grief and is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She is also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and an active member of the Bereavement Ontario Network.

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Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Aly Bird

[01:57] Aly's background and what she does in the psychotherapy space

[02:32] Aly's grief story, her life-changing loss and traumatic bereavement

[05:14] How to navigate grief from a sudden and unexpected loss

[07:28] How Aly's husband's death propelled her to be a therapist

[09:22] Aly's emotional shock after her husband's death and how people supported her

[13:15] How Aly is helping people get the tools before they need them

[16:17] About the tools that are in Aly's book: Grief Ally

[19:04] What inspired Aly to become a hospice volunteer, and her work

[24:32] What peer bereavement means

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