#28 Grief and Loss Growing Up: Ashley Mielke on Love, Pain, and Finding a Way Through (Part 1)

Ashley Mielke is a psychologist, grief coach, and woman of deep faith. But long before any of that, she was a young girl navigating the quiet ache of having a father who was facing his own struggles—and learning to stay strong in ways no child should have to.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Ashley shares her personal story of growing up with a parent who struggled with addiction, the complex emotions that came with that, and the eventual loss of her dad to suicide. It’s a raw, tender, and deeply relatable account of the kind of grief that often starts early in life—before we even realise we’re grieving.This episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to stay strong for others, wondered why certain wounds never quite heal, or carried silent sadness into adulthood.In this episode, you’ll discover:How grief can begin long before a death or major lossWhy perfectionism and people-pleasing often mask deeper painThe impact of growing up with a parent working through their own deep emotional needsWhy we sometimes need to ‘unbecome’ in order to properly begin the healing journey How her father’s death changed everything—and awakened a callingThe role of faith in finding comfort, calling, and peaceRelevant Links from the Episode:Ashley Mielke is a Registered Psychologist, grief coach, and founder of Ashley Mielke Coaching. She uses her lived experience and professional training to support others through deep personal loss and emotional healing.Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleymielkecoachingWebsites:AshleyMielkeCoaching.com (website coming soon!)HealMyHeart.caGrief Recovery MethodExplore More from Resilient Souls:Resilient Souls WebsiteResilient Souls Podcast or search ‘Resilient Souls’ wherever you get your podcastsResilient Souls Blog on SubstackStewart’s Book Follow Resilient Souls on:Facebook InstagramLinkedInGet Involved or Reach Out:Join the CommunityBook Stewart to SpeakSupport the WorkContact UsNeed Help? In Australia. Overseas