The Living Loss | Navigating Invisible Grief & Identity

This episode explores the complex nature of quiet, unacknowledged griefs and the trap of waiting for a perfect future self to find happiness. Cassandra and Daiana share personal insights and practical strategies for living in the present, releasing unrealistic expectations, and embracing self-compassion.

Key Topics:

• The illusion of future happiness and the trap of waiting for the 'perfect' time
• The impact of comparing ourselves to future and past selves
• Strategies for releasing expectations and practicing self-compassion
• The importance of living in the present moment and embracing imperfection
• Understanding grief as layered and often unacknowledged

Book mentioned in the episode: Going into Pieces Without Falling Apart, By Mark Epstein

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46790/going-to-pieces-without-falling-apart-by-mark-epstein-author-of-thoughts-without-a-thinker/

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. 

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Please Note: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, relationship trauma, and complex grief. Our conversation is meant for educational and empowering purposes, but we understand these topics can be heavy. Please protect your peace and prioritize your well-being as you listen.

In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, host Daiana Bernard sits down with advocate Melissa Issa to expose the hidden grief of navigating relationship trauma and domestic violence in mid-life.

Rebuilding your life after an abusive or toxic relationship looks different in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Together, they unpack the unique, quiet shame of starting over later in life and the heavy feeling that you "should have known better." Melissa shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom, shedding her survival self, and proving that circumstances don't check your age before they change.

Whether you are healing from intimate partner violence or reclaiming an identity you thought was lost, this episode offers a raw, trauma-informed roadmap to resilience, self-love, and empowerment in your next chapter.

Melissa Issa: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaissatampa 

Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence - https://breakthesilencedv.org/

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

In this heartfelt interview, Suzy McNamara shares her profound journey through the grief of losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's and her sister unexpectedly. She explores the nuances of ambiguous loss, caregiver burden, and finding love and purpose amidst profound grief, offering valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar paths.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

The Silkworm, the Magician, and the Sister Tree

Book by Suzy McNamara

Pre-Sale now and everywhere books are sold June 2, 2026

Connect with Suzy:

Suzy McNamara: suzymcnamara.com Instagram: mcnamara.suzy , LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara 

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Daiana and Cassandra, with special guest Lee Horton-Carter, retired psychotherapist, explore the concept of ambiguous loss and family estrangement, shedding light on the psychological and emotional impact of living with estrangement. We would like to mention that today’s conversation does touch on the subject of sexual abuse and could be triggering to some listeners. It is not the overall focus but we wanted to be mindful of everyone’s experiences. 

The conversation delves into the experience of estrangement, the impact on identity, and the journey of finding belonging and healing outside of the family system. The conversation delves into the complexities of estrangement and its impact on relationships, identity, and resilience. Lee shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and growth associated with estrangement from family.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Lee would also love to hear from you if her story resonated with you!

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected]

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected]

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

If you've ever wondered why the second year of grief feels harder than the first, or how to survive the holidays after a loss, this episode is for you.

Daiana and Cassandra reunite to explore the complex grief tied to holidays, traditions, and milestones. They dive into the "quiet losses" we often overlook and offer a guide to supporting yourself and others through these heavy transitions.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "first holiday" myth and how shock protects us initially, versus the reality of the second-year slump. We also explore how to process anticipatory grief and the necessity of creating new traditions when old ones evoke pain. Finally, we break down the difference between acute and disenfranchised grief while learning the art of holding space for others without trying to "fix" the pain.

Healing requires patience, grace, and the permission to redefine your journey.

Remember: Grief is a journey with no fixed timeline. Be gentle with yourself and seek support when needed. 

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected]

Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner and guest Adam Greenbaum explore the profound grief of losing beloved pets, the societal minimization of pet loss, and the importance of infrastructure and support for pet owners. They share personal stories, insights on disenfranchised grief, and practical lessons on honoring pet memories and supporting others through loss. Adam Greenbaum the founder of Love, Baxter, a mission-driven platform born from the profound loss of his dog, Baxter. Adam is dedicated to ensuring no one has to navigate the heartbreak of losing an animal alone. 

Website: lovebaxter.com

Pet Professional Directory; https://app.lovebaxter.com/

Pet Loss Memorial Store: https://shop.lovebaxter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/ 

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner interviews Shruti Trivedi about living with the complex grief of pregnancy and baby loss. They explore the nuances of ambiguous loss, delayed grief, and practical frameworks for healing, emphasizing the importance of validation, self-care, and community support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shruzee

Substack: https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/tulsiheals_lifecoaching

Blinq: https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl

Complimentary 60 mins breakthrough call: https://calendly.com/shruzee/60min 

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com
If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out: Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

In this replay Daiana shares personal insights on grief brain, relationship dynamics, and practical coping strategies. She briefly explores navigating grief, emotional exhaustion, and the importance of self-compassion during difficult times.

In this episode, Cassandra and Daiana delve into the complexities of grief, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grief brain' and its effects on mental clarity. They discuss empathy fatigue, a common experience among therapists and caregivers, and the importance of utilizing distress tolerance skills to manage emotional surges. The conversation shifts to the role of entertainment in coping with grief, highlighting how shows like 'The Good Place' can provide comfort and insight into the human experience of loss. The hosts emphasize the significance of creating meaning from grief and the ongoing journey of healing. 

ACCEPTS Skill: https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php

Connect With Us: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. 

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com
• Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: firststridezcounseling.com
• Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Daiana shares a personal update about taking time off to grieve and be with family. She then delves into the psychology of grief, highlighting the cognitive reorganization and the different types of grief experiences. The conversation provides clarity and comfort to the audience.

Replay: The Living Loss Podcast explores the complexities of non-death grief, shedding light on different types of non-death grief such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating non-death grief while finding meaning and seeking community support.

Show notes

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected]

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected]

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

The Living Loss Podcast explores the complex grief experienced in eating disorders, addressing topics such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, shame, identity, and the impact on relationships. It delves into coping mechanisms, the recovery paradox, and the importance of supporting individuals with eating disorders. The podcast emphasizes the normalcy of grief in recovery and the need to honor the loss experienced.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: [email protected] Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: [email protected] Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Our Guest: Briana Rogers, LMHC

Website: naturallyyoucounseling.com

Instagram: @naturallyyoucounseling

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.