Grief Podcast Part 4: Maintaining a Connection with Loved Ones

Bridging the Gap Between Trauma & Neurodivergence

🎙️ Host: Iesha Glover Somatic Wellness Practitioner https://balanceandbirch.com/iesha/ The latest episode on our podcast explores the intersection between neurodivergence and trauma, emphasizing the importance of understanding both to foster healing and self-compassion. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for individuals whose brains function, process, or learn differently than what is considered typical.It is a natural variation of human brain function, not a disorder, and encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Approximately 20% of the population is estimated to be neurodivergent. Neurodivergence exists on a spectrum regarding both diagnostic labels and individual lived experiences, with some people masking their true selves to fit in. Trauma is defined as the internal result of overwhelming external experiences, where the nervous system stores the stress when an individual is unable to cope. It can stem from events like accidents or assault, chronic stressors like bullying or oppression, or developmental and medical trauma. Trauma fundamentally changes how individuals interpret safety and interact with the world. Hiding one's true self to fit in takes a heavy psychological toll and can lead to complex trauma. Environments not designed for neurodivergent needs can make sensory input feel threatening or painful, leading to trauma, meltdowns, or hypervigilance.Being misunderstood or mislabeled during the diagnostic process, particularly for women, girls, and BIPOC individuals, can be traumatic. Individuals are often punished for neurodivergent traits they cannot control, such as stimming or needing extra time to process instructions. To create trauma-informed, neuro-affirming spaces, we suggest: 💚Acknowledging that both neurodivergence and trauma shape the nervous system. 💚Shifting from pathologizing traits to understanding neurodivergence as a way of being. 💚Offering choices and consent in classrooms, workplaces, and therapeutic settings. 💚Embracing regulation practices that are sensory-safe and accessible, rather than requiring stillness or silence. 💬 Join the Conversation: How has trauma or neurodivergence shaped your life? Share your experiences in the comments to support others. 🔔 Subscribe for More: Stay connected for insightful conversations on mental health, trauma, chronic illness, wellness and personal growth. #trauma #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #Neurodivergent #HolisticHealing #ReikiHealing #SomaticHealing #EmotionalWellness #SelfHealing #BalanceAndBirch #Podcast #MindBodyConnection #PTSD #traumaSupport #balance #Neurodivergence #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth

Grief Podcast Part 4: Maintaining a Connection with Loved Ones

🎙️Host: Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins Licensed Psychologist | Consultant | Wellness Coach https://balanceandbirch.com/drhopkins/ ⭐️Featuring: Allie Aschmann Hypnotherapist https://balanceandbirch.com/allie/ In this episode of the grief podcast, Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins, a psychologist, interviews Allie, a hypnotist from her practice to discuss the expansive and complex nature of grief. We define grief as a deep, painful process of loss, noting that while people often associate it with the death of a person or pet, it also includes job loss, changes in life circumstances, and the loss of relationships. We emphasize that grief is inherently complex, often involving logistics, such as funeral arrangements or estate management, that can prevent people from fully processing their emotions. We discuss how, in a capitalistic society, people are often pressured to "self-abandon" or push grief aside to meet daily responsibilities. Allie shares her experience losing her "soul dog," Molly, and her father, both of which were deeply painful and brought on further layers of grief as she navigated life changes and family dynamics. Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins shares her own grief journey following the loss of her dog, Ada, highlighting the solace found in memorializing her, even while managing guilt related to her own chronic illness. We express a spiritual belief in maintaining a connection with loved ones who have passed, whether through dreams, meditation, or the feeling of their continued spiritual presence. We discuss the limitations of traditional therapy for certain deep, spiritual-oriented losses and the value of alternative modalities. Allie explains how she uses wellness hypnotherapy to help clients create a "personal sanctuary," a safe space for processing emotions where they can invite their lost loved ones. 💬 You are not alone on this journey! If this conversation resonates with you, share your thoughts in the comments and connect with others on their healing journeys. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, holistic healing, and emotional well-being. #GriefHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellness #TraumaHealing #LifeTransitions #ChronicIllnessAwareness #NeurodivergentSupport #SelfCompassion #PsychologyPodcast #HealingJourney #BalanceAndBirch #PersonalGrowth #connection

Grief Podcast Part 3: Stories of Loss, Healing, and Resilience

🎙️Host: Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins Licensed Psychologist | Consultant | Wellness Coach https://balanceandbirch.com/drhopkins/ Featuring: ⭐️Dee Williams Director of Operations https://balanceandbirch.com/dee/ ⭐️Gina Vitale Therapeutic Exercise Specialist https://balanceandbirch.com/gina/ ⭐️David Kopp Personal Trainer https://balanceandbirch.com/david/ In this heartfelt and deeply human conversation, psychologist Dr. Krista Ollie Hopkins of Balance and Birch invites her colleagues to explore the many dimensions of grief. From the loss of loved ones and cherished dreams to changes in health, identity, and life circumstances, this episode highlights how grief touches us all and how healing unfolds over time. Through powerful personal stories, the discussion reveals that grief isn’t limited to death. It can arise from failed aspirations, chronic illness, divorce, dementia, and life transitions. Together, the speakers examine how community, accountability, self-compassion, and meaningful coping strategies help transform pain into growth and resilience. This episode is a compassionate reminder that there is no timeline for grief, only a journey toward understanding, acceptance, and hope. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why grief extends beyond physical loss How identity and life transitions shape our grieving process The importance of community, accountability, and support systems Healthy and meaningful ways to cope with loss How movement, creativity, and reflection aid emotional healing Why emotions are neutral—and how to determine what truly serves you 💬 Join the Conversation: How has grief shaped your life? Share your experiences in the comments to support and inspire others. 🔔 Subscribe for More: Stay connected for insightful conversations on mental health, trauma, chronic illness, and personal growth. #GriefHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellness #TraumaHealing #LifeTransitions #ChronicIllnessAwareness #NeurodivergentSupport #SelfCompassion #PsychologyPodcast #HealingJourney #BalanceAndBirch #PersonalGrowth

Grief Podcast Part 2: Personal Stories and Vulnerable Shares

🎙️Host: Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins Licensed Psychologist | Consultant | Wellness Coach https://balanceandbirch.com/drhopkins/ Featuring: ⭐️Dr. Ann Ijeh Naturopathic Doctor https://balanceandbirch.com/drijeh/ Grief is a universal yet deeply personal experience, and no two journeys look the same. In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode, Dr. Krista Ollie Hopkins, psychologist at Balance & Birch, leads an intimate conversation exploring the many layers of grief with Dr. Ann Ijeh, a naturopathic physician. Together, they share personal stories and professional insights on loss, healing, and resilience. From ambiguous grief and childhood experiences to the loss of loved ones and beloved pets, this powerful discussion sheds light on how grief shapes our lives and how we can navigate it with compassion and support. Whether you’re coping with loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or seeking a deeper understanding of emotional healing, this episode offers validation, guidance, and hope. In This Episode, We Explore: Different types of grief, including ambiguous and anticipatory grief The emotional and physical impact of loss Grieving chronic illness, identity, and life transitions Healthy coping strategies and the importance of therapy Honoring loved ones and finding meaning through remembrance Embracing vulnerability and healing through shared experiences 💬 You are not alone. If this conversation resonates with you, share your thoughts in the comments and connect with others on their healing journeys. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, holistic healing, and emotional well-being. #GriefSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #HolisticHealth #EmotionalWellness #TherapyMatters #BalanceAndBirch #GriefHealing #Podcast #PersonalGrowth

Grief Podcast Part 1: Understanding Grief: Healing Through Loss, Trauma, and Transformation

Host: Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins Licensed Psychologist | Consultant | Wellness Coach https://balanceandbirch.com/drhopkins/ Featuring: Iesha Glover Somatic Wellness Practitioner https://balanceandbirch.com/iesha/ Jennifer Lee Reiki Practitioner https://balanceandbirch.com/jennifer/ Grief is more than the loss of a loved one, it’s a deeply personal and multifaceted experience that touches every aspect of our lives. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, the practitioners of Balance and Birch explore the many forms of grief and how it shapes our identities, relationships, and healing journeys. Join psychologist Dr. Ollie Hopkins, trauma-informed somatic yoga instructor Iesha, and Reiki practitioner Jennifer Lee as they share professional insights and personal stories. Together, they discuss grief related to neurodivergence, chronic illness, trauma, cultural identity, and profound personal loss, offering compassionate perspectives and powerful tools for healing. In this episode, you’ll discover: The hidden and misunderstood forms of grief How late-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses can reshape identity The emotional impact of chronic illness and trauma Cultural, ancestral, and generational grief The mind-body connection in healing through somatic practices How Reiki, therapy, and holistic approaches support emotional well-being Why there is no “right” way or timeline to grieve This meaningful discussion reminds us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to move through with grace, support, and compassion. 💬 Whether you’re navigating loss, seeking understanding, or supporting someone on their healing journey, this conversation offers validation, hope, and connection. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health, trauma healing, and holistic wellness.