Ep.47: Losing a Loved One: How to Cope, Heal, and Move Forward with Helen Keeling Neal, LMHC

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by our dear friend and fellow therapist, Helen Keeling-Neal, as she bravely shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband. Helen opens up about the profound and unexpected challenges that come with navigating life as a young widow and single mom, all while finding ways to heal, grow, and embrace a new path forward. Whether you’ve experienced a similar loss or simply want to support a loved one going through grief, Helen’s story is full of insights, compassion, and real-life wisdom.We explore the complexities of grief, from the early shock and survival mode to the ongoing journey of healing and finding purpose. Helen discusses the tools and support systems that helped her, including therapy and community, and she offers invaluable advice on how to be there for someone experiencing loss.  Episode Highlights:[0:00] - Introducing Helen Keeling-Neal and her story of sudden loss.[2:00] - The immediate impact of losing a spouse and going into “survival mode.”[3:26] - Dealing with the “business of death” and the logistics of loss.[6:54] - Finding support: How friends, family, and community showed up.[9:36] - Coping strategies: Therapy, EMDR, and the importance of avoiding quick fixes.[12:58] - Raising young children through grief and balancing career shifts.[17:51] - Understanding attachment and compound grief in the healing process.[23:31] - Moving forward in new relationships and dealing with fears of loss.[29:19] - Top tips for navigating grief and healing after losing a loved one. Resources:For EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/For ART: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/To find a therapist for grief near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists🔥Get Clear on What You Want in Your Sex Life: Free Download!  For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-bookRecognized by FeedSpot:Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts