Have you found yourself experiencing a dull ache this holiday season? Or maybe you're frequently on the verge of tears? Or ready to scream at someone at the drop of a hat? Or maybe you're just so tired that you can barely force yourself to get out of bed, let alone do Christmas shopping. If so, then you may be experiencing what psychologists call Anticipatory Grief.

In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel is back with Robin to share her lifetime of experiences around this subject. In it, they discuss the definition of anticipatory grief, give examples of how it might be showing up in our lives and offer ideas for us to help ourselves or others who are going through it. 

Co-Host: Dr. Denise Bickel, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
With over 20 years of counseling experience, Denise's areas of expertise include oncology, end-of-life care, and grief work. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and a facilitator of guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She's also Robin's mentor and a returning guest on the podcast.

For more thoughts from Denise, check out her blog, Words To Live By, at www.DeniseBickel.com.

Show Notes:

Suggested readings if you'd like to learn more:

Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipatory Grief by Harriett Hodgson and Lois Krahn, MD

Bittersweet: How Sorry and Longing Make Us Whole by Susie Cain

The Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen