Understanding and Validating Disenfranchised Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the topic of disenfranchised grief. This type of grief is often unrecognized or dismissed by society, which makes it feel particularly isolating. Dr. Taylor explains what disenfranchised grief is, provides examples including pet loss, estranged family, and non-traditional relationships, and offers advice on how to validate your own grief even when others do not. She also shares tips for supporting others who are experiencing disenfranchised grief and emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities, whether in-person or online. The episode concludes with invitations to create personal rituals and join grief-informed spaces to aid the healing process.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief

01:28 Examples of Disenfranchised Grief

02:04 Navigating Complicated Grief

05:00 Validating Your Grief 08:58 Reclaiming Your Grief Space

10:13 Supporting Others in Their Grief

11:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

------------------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

[email protected]

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

-------------------------------------

Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.