Grieving with Grace

Ep. 049 with Stacey Johnson

In a poignant episode of Good Grief Believer, host Julie Craig meets with Stacey Johnson, a clinical therapist and women’s empowerment coach based in Ohio. Stacey’s story is one of resilience, love, and healing, showcasing how one can navigate the tumultuous waters of grief while emerging stronger and more empowered.

A Therapist's Background

Stacey Johnson has dedicated 25 years to helping others as a clinical therapist. With a background working primarily with children in alternative school settings, she has recently expanded her practice to include adults, focusing on women's empowerment. Her journey takes a transformative turn when she experiences profound personal loss, including the sudden passing of her husband and stepfather within a short time frame.

Stacey's approach to grief is both professional and deeply personal. Her training as a therapist provides her with the tools to navigate her own emotions, while her lived experiences allow her to connect authentically with those she helps. This unique blend of expertise and empathy forms the foundation of her coaching practice.

The Impact of Sudden Loss

Stacey recounts the shock of receiving the phone call about her stepfather's passing. The emotional upheaval was compounded by her mother’s health crisis, which led to an emergency room visit. In this moment, Stacey's role shifted from caregiver to daughter, navigating the complexities of grief while supporting her family.

The initial shock of loss can be overwhelming, and Stacey found herself in the midst of multiple crises. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty, with hospital restrictions preventing family members from being present. This experience resonates with many, as loss during such challenging times can feel isolating and disorienting.

Navigating Dual Grief

Stacey reflects on the unique challenges of grieving multiple losses simultaneously. Her husband became gravely ill shortly after her stepfather’s funeral, leading to a rapid decline in his health. This whirlwind of grief left Stacey with little time to process her emotions. She emphasizes how essential it was for her to support her children—aged 17 and 20—while managing her own heartache.

As a mother, Stacey felt the weight of her children’s grief acutely. The need to provide reassurance and stability during such a tumultuous time became a priority. This dual perspective highlighted the complexities of grief, particularly in a family setting where everyone experiences loss differently.

Techniques for Coping with Grief

Throughout the conversation, Stacey shares valuable techniques for managing grief and emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-care, which became integral to her daily routine after her husband’s passing. Daily practices, such as gratitude exercises and meditation, helped her maintain a sense of normalcy amid chaos.

Stacey discusses the significance of recognizing intrusive thoughts and reframing them. For instance, she addresses common thoughts like “I should have done more” or “What if I had acted sooner?” By acknowledging these thoughts as unhelpful, she redirected her focus to actionable steps she could control. This shift is crucial for anyone navigating grief, reminding them that while the pain of loss is real, there are ways to regain a sense of agency.

Understanding the Nervous System’s Role

A key point in the discussion revolves around how grief affects the nervous system. Stacey explains that traumatic events can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to both physical and emotional symptoms. She highlights the interplay between the brain and body, noting that stress and grief manifest physically, often resulting in issues like digestive problems, tight muscles, and even migraines.

Stacey’s insights remind listeners that feeling fatigued, experiencing brain fog, or having trouble concentrating are common experiences for those navigating grief. Recognizing these symptoms as part of the grieving process can help individuals approach their feelings with compassion rather than judgment.

Embracing Grief and Finding Joy

Stacey emphasizes that grieving is not about moving past the pain but learning to live alongside it. She shares her belief that grief reflects love and that it’s essential to honor the memories of loved ones rather than suppress feelings of sadness. The conversation underscores that grief evolves over time; while it may not diminish, individuals can learn to navigate their lives in meaningful ways.

The duality of joy and sadness is a central theme in Stacey’s narrative. She articulates the importance of allowing oneself to feel both emotions simultaneously. As she prepares for her daughter’s college graduation, she acknowledges the excitement of the milestone while also feeling sadness over her husband’s absence. This acknowledgment of mixed emotions illustrates the complexity of grief and the necessity of embracing both joy and sorrow.

The Role of Coaching in Healing

As Stacey recognized her desire to help more women thrive after experiencing loss, she transitioned from a traditional clinical therapy model into coaching. Her background as a therapist equips her with a unique perspective, allowing her to guide clients through their grief while empowering them to reclaim their identities. She discusses how she encourages women to make decisions and take control of their lives after suffering significant losses.

Stacey shares a success story of a client who struggled with decision-making after losing her husband. Through coaching, Stacey helped her regain confidence and independence, leading to a transformation that underscores her commitment to helping others navigate their grief and emerge stronger.

Moving Forward with Hope

The conversation wraps up with Stacey’s reflections on the significance of community and support during the grieving process. She stresses the value of sharing experiences and connecting with others who have faced similar challenges. By fostering open conversations about grief, individuals can find solace and understanding in shared experiences.

Stacey encourages listeners to reach out for support, whether through therapy, coaching, or community resources. While grief is a deeply personal journey, no one should have to navigate it alone. Through her journey and insights, Stacey Johnson offers a beacon of hope for those experiencing grief, reminding them that healing is possible and that joy can coexist with sorrow.

In conclusion, Stacey Johnson exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while grief may be a heavy burden, it can also lead to profound growth and empowerment. By embracing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and community support, individuals can learn to navigate their grief and ultimately thrive in their new realities.