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The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
You have found a podcast about surviving life after a suicide loss, which is nothing short of devastating, leaving you not knowing how to begin picking up the leftover pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, who lost her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide on August 7, 2016, speaks to this from her own experiences. You will hear her have honest, hard conversations with other loss survivors, healers, and mental health experts on the podcast. She also produces shorter, solo episodes where she shares her own thoughts & experiences in this journey (thus far). She explores relevant topics and asks the hard questions. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into all areas of this grief, such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy & stigma. Melissa believes we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it. We can make a difference only through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices. For a supporter or educator, these conversations hold nuggets of awareness and shine a spotlight on suicide and grief honestly and unapologetically. As a suicide loss griever, one can find the comfort of a community and hope for a little brighter tomorrow. Melissa wants to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
A Daughter's Love; Life After the Suicide Loss of Her Mum
Today I turn the microphone Caro's direction as she sits on the other side of the interview for a change. Many of you know Caro Brookings from her semi-yearly Interview Series. Twice a year Caro holds these amazing speaker series where you can hear 20+ suicide loss experts share their experiences and knowledge. I have been privileged to be a guest speaker all 4 times plus the upcoming one next week, Nov 6-10, 2023.
In her words: "After my Mum took her life in 2013, I quickly realized that there isn't enough support out there for suicide loss survivors.
I struggled with complex grief, including feelings of guilt. After trying every healing strategy under the sun, I finally found the one which works when I learned all about refuting thoughts and rewiring the brain.
I am now a Certified NeuroCoach and grief coach. I use brain based, science backed methods, as well as drawing from my vast experience, to support my clients find inner peace and even joy again - for good."
Today we get personal in Caro's loss journey. Losing a parent to suicide is a complicated loss of a lifetime that changes a child permanently.
This conversation was a joy to have. I enjoyed getting to know more about Caro's personal journey & I think you will also.
Some of the things Caro & I speak to are:
- How the loss of her Mum to suicide impacted her life
- What did her 'timeline' look like?
- What she discovered that changed so she could heal her trauma
- How she parents her children & talks about her mum to them
- And so much more...
Register for the FREE "Navigating Conversations After Suicide Loss "Interview Series HERE
AND
HERE are ALL of the other ways to find Caro
facebook.com/suicidebereavementcoaching
instagram.com/suicidebereavementcoaching
facebook.com/groups/healingaftersuicideloss
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PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central.
The latest Legacy projects are NOW published BOOKS -- GET THEM HERE!!!
ALSO, my first two books (tools I have created for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA