Estrangement and Loss: A Truth We Don’t Tell Enough

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Claire M. Schwartz—grief and trauma healing expert, author of Putting Out the Fire, and Reiki master—to explore grief beyond death. We talk about the heartbreak of grieving relationships that never existed the way we hoped. Claire opens up about losing her mother in her mid-20s, the emotional weight of estrangement, and how she turned pain into purpose. Together, we talk about the generational ripple effects of trauma, the power of setting boundaries, and why sometimes healing means choosing distance. Claire also offers insights into creating grief-inclusive workspaces and shares resources for those navigating complex losses. If you’ve ever struggled with the grief of “what could’ve been,” this episode is for you.Connect with Claire: https://www.youcanhealyourgrief.com/