Finding Belonging in the Heart of Grief with Karen Ihrig

Grief is a natural response to loss that all of us will encounter. For all its universality, however, our society has grown increasingly grief-adverse and avoidant. One grief specialist relies on her NARM® training to reacquaint clients with their agency. In doing so, she invites their sorrow to coexist with curiosity, compassion, and gentleness. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Karen Ihrig, LCSW, to share her experiences working with bereaved clients while tending to her own grief. The pair discuss the differences between grief and traumatic bereavement and the speed with which our current mental health system pathologizes rather than embraces the bereavement process.  About Karen Ihrig: Karen Ihrig (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a NeuroQueer artist, griever and psychotherapist, who began practicing therapy after completing her Masters in Social Work in 2012. Karen has an eclectic approach to therapy, specializing in traumatic grief, expressive arts, and complex trauma. Her practice, Here With You Therapy, has a niche providing therapy to the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, consensually non-monogamous, and non-traditional communities. Her work is rooted in the intention to co-create an anti-oppressive, compassionate and secure relational space, with her expansive clients, who have often endured marginalization, complex trauma and traumatic bereavement. Karen believes in the transformative healing power of intersubjective presence. She is truly honored to be together with her clients, colleagues, and communities, in shared humanity. Learn More: Here With You Therapy To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal.  The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube