Licensed therapist and author Gina Moffa joins Kara Kavensky to talk about grief, trauma, and the modern landscape of healing. From how trauma lives in the body to practical ways to show up for others in pain, this episode unpacks the myths of “getting over it” and instead invites listeners to build compassion, safety, and self-understanding through loss.

Topics include:

•  The difference between grief and trauma

•  Somatic and holistic healing methods

•  How to support friends through loss without platitudes

•  The long tail of secondary and tertiary losses

•  Building safety in trauma-informed therapy

Mentioned:

•  MOVING ON DOESN'T MEAN LETTING GO by Gina Moffa

•  Upcoming book WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FRIENDSHIP?

•  Kara Kavensky’s memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY (Sourcebooks, 2026)

•  Sponsors: Remain Relevant – Humanize, Organize, Weaponize your corporate storytelling | Adam Gibson Design | Tell Me About Joy by Kara Kavensky

Gina is working on her next book about the silent grief of friendship loss, which is due to be published in February of 2027.

GINA MOFFA

Website: ginamoffa.com/

Instagram: @ginamoffalcsw

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

@karakavensky on Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn and Threads

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY

Sponsored by: Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Produced by: Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by: Adam W. Gibson

TIMESTAMPS

[01:10] Introduction - Gina Moffa

[01:35] ZARA'S BIG MESSY GOODBYE

[02:36] MOVING ON DOESN'T MEAN LETTING GO

[05:41] Healing modalities

[07:12] Grief's sister, trauma

[11:28] Helping others recognize trauma and identify needs

[16:06] Trauma-informed care

[19:41] Coping tendencies or rhythms

[22:27] Responding to coping styles

[23:54] Platitudes vs] compassionate consolation

[25:13] How to be present for someone who is grieving

[28:49] Secondary loss and tertiary loss

[31:59] Losing friendships