Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with entrepreneur and founder of iFred and Mood-lites™, Kathryn Goetzke, as she shares her story of losing her father to suicide when she was 19. This eventually led her to wanting to find out how to move through the grief in a healthy way. She did extensive research on “mood states” and founded a company that creates products (lighting and scents) that can positively affect your mood. She also founded a non-profit, iFred, whose mission is to re-brand and destigmatize depression. They speak about how “Service,” Step 6 from the Model of Heart-Centered Grief, can give purpose to the pain, and about a program iFred developed for 6th graders that helps children learn how to build their hope “muscle.”

Kathryn Goetzke is the founder of the 501(c)3 iFred, the International Foundation for Research and Education for Depression (www.depression.org or www.ifred.org ). She is also the entrepreneur and innovator behind Mood-lites™ (www.themoodfactory.com), creating products that help people choose their mood through sensory engagement, with nationwide distribution in Lowe’s Home Improvement. She founded iFred based on research by the World Health Organization that less than 50% of people with currently diagnosable depression are receiving treatment due to stigma (or, as she calls it, negative brand or positioning), and is dedicated to increasing the number of those being treated to 100%.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with author and coach Chris Saade about the importance of authenticity in relationships and how we learn more about ourselves when we are in relationships. They discuss how paradox can also be a tool to use in our relationships – allowing both sides of the emotional spectrum to be present. And they proclaim that the purpose of relationships is to generate love…and not to get our “needs” met. Great ways to find hope in relationships!

Chris Saâde is the co-director of The Olive Branch Center with his wife, Jessie Thompson, where he teaches courses on engaged spirituality. He has lead more than 200 psychological and spiritual retreats, and continues to serve as a personal coach for individuals and couples. Chris worked as a licensed psychotherapist for 11 years in private practice specializing in depression and life transitions before migrating into the world of coaching, writing and teaching. He has written 2 books, 2nd Wave Spirituality: Passion for Peace, Passion for Justice and Prayers for Peace and Justice and 2 recordings with Andrew Harvey. Find out more at: http://theolivebranchcenter.net/

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with author, musician and founder of The Pedestal Magazine, John Amen. He shares his story of a “fundamental heart-break” - losing his mother at the age of 5. John recalls that even from his teenage years the artistic process was where he felt empowered and says “art saved my life.” Mandy ties in Step 6 - Service, of the Model of Heart-Centered Grief, by speaking about the fact that we find meaning in our losses by giving back. John shares that helping people to discover their voice is a passion of his and a way of giving back.

John Amen is the author of five collections of poetry: Christening the Dancer, More of Me Disappears, At the Threshold of Alchemy, The New Arcana (with Daniel Y. Harris), and, most recently, strange theater (New York Quarterly Books). His work has appeared in journals nationally and internationally and been translated into Spanish, French, Hungarian, Korean, and Hebrew. In addition, he has released two folk rock CDs: All I’ll Never Need and Ridiculous Empire. Further information is available on his website: www.johnamen.com. John is a frequent music reviewer for No Depression. He founded and continues to edit The Pedestal Magazine (www.thepedestalmagazine.com).

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with author, coach and co-founder of The Respite, Elizabeth Berrien. She shares her story of two traumatic losses and how she can now can say, 6 years later, how grateful she is for her grief process and how it shaped her life.

Elizabeth is a Certified Creative Grief Coach, author, support group facilitator, speaker, spiritual entrepreneur, and proud mom. After several unexpected losses at the age of 27, she has passionately dedicated her life to helping others experience healing, joy, and purpose after loss. She established the unique support community, Soul Widows, in 2010, a supportive space for young widows to become empowered on their journey from grief to hope. She believes in the transformative power of the human journey and our sacred stories. Through sharing her own story, she hopes to light the way for others seeking a healthy, heart-centered, and fulfilling life. To connect with Elizabeth further, visit her author website at CreativeGrieving.com.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with visual artist Gypsy Hundley about how her creative spirit is reflected in her artwork and is her passionate way of serving in the world. Gypsy shares her heart-breaking and inspirational story of having to watch a loved one be sent to prison. From this tragedy she created amazing works of art that helped her, and others, to heal.

Gypsy Hundley has been painting full time for over 10 years. Her work has been displayed in galleries throughout the nation and purchased from thousands of spirits world wide. Starting out as an outsider/folk artist, Gypsy spent years traveling the unknown roads touring art shows and seeking galleries while living out of her van. Her tenacity to evolve and pursue an art career gave her strength to move forward. Her continual changes in her style has gained respect, recognition and admiration. When she speaks of her art, it is as if she's telling a story of an ancient love she has danced through life with, hand in hand.

You can find her artwork at www.gypsyhundleygallery.com.

Whether it’s due to the loss of a loved one, job, beloved pet or relationship, grief comes in many forms. When faced with grief, it can be easy to become stuck or confused as we’re unsure where to turn next. And, unfortunately, this lack of direction and inability to deal with the grief can lead to isolation and despair. 

“It’s time to begin an epic journey of the heart and embrace the inspiration and empowerment that can come from the grieving process,” says Mandy Eppley, a 22+ year practicing licensed psychotherapist and host of Finding Hope on the eWomen Radio Network.

Eppley, along with Chris Saâde, now a psychological and spiritual coach, has developed The Model of Heart-Centered Grief, a 7-step program available on DVD and through streaming access, focused on guiding those dealing with grief toward the special gifts that can be found in this process. In this episode of Finding Hope Counselor Mandy and Chris give an overview of the 7 steps, encouraging individuals to embrace this process as an opportunity for personal growth and exploration, as well as a way of transformation and finding hope.