Ashley Mielke is a psychologist, grief coach, and woman of deep faith. But long before any of that, she was a young girl navigating the quiet ache of having a father who was facing his own struggles—and learning to stay strong in ways no child should have to.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Ashley shares her personal story of growing up with a parent who struggled with addiction, the complex emotions that came with that, and the eventual loss of her dad to suicide. It’s a raw, tender, and deeply relatable account of the kind of grief that often starts early in life—before we even realise we’re grieving.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to stay strong for others, wondered why certain wounds never quite heal, or carried silent sadness into adulthood.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How grief can begin long before a death or major loss

Why perfectionism and people-pleasing often mask deeper pain

The impact of growing up with a parent working through their own deep emotional needs

Why we sometimes need to ‘unbecome’ in order to properly begin the healing journey

How her father’s death changed everything—and awakened a calling

The role of faith in finding comfort, calling, and peace

Relevant Links from the Episode:

Ashley Mielke is a Registered Psychologist, grief coach, and founder of Ashley Mielke Coaching. She uses her lived experience and professional training to support others through deep personal loss and emotional healing.

Follow Ashley on Instagram:

@ashleymielkecoaching

Websites:

AshleyMielkeCoaching.com (website coming soon!)

HealMyHeart.caGrief Recovery Method

Explore More from Resilient Souls:

Resilient Souls Website

Resilient Souls Podcast or search ‘Resilient Souls’ wherever you get your podcasts

Resilient Souls Blog on Substack

Stewart’s Book 

Follow Resilient Souls on:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Get Involved or Reach Out:

Join the Community

Book Stewart to Speak

Support the Work

Contact Us

Need Help? In Australia. Overseas