Giving Voice to Grief, with Yolanda Booker

OverviewIn this episode of the "Rooted2Thrive," host  Professor P (Rochelle Peterson-Ansari) speaks with Yolanda Booker, a mental health therapist and the founder of the nonprofit organization Grief Speaks. Drawing from the profound experience of losing her son to cancer, Booker introduces the often-overlooked stage of grief: insecurity, which arises from the significant life changes and identity shifts that accompany loss. She critiques traditional support groups for sometimes being exhausting and emphasizes her organization's focus on providing tangible coping skills and building a supportive community. Booker advocates for grievers to find personal, practical ways to cope—such as journaling, lighting a candle, or caring for plants—and to embrace vulnerability by articulating their needs. The overarching message is that grief is a continuous journey, and through intentionality, community, and self-compassion, it is possible to grow through the pain and find a meaningful "life after loss".Topics Covered in This Episode:Insecurity as an overlooked stage of grief Navigating the identity crisis that follows a loss The importance of community and tangible coping skills Giving a voice to grief beyond emotion Practical ways to support a grieving person The role of vulnerability in the healing processGuest Information:Yolanda BookerMental Health Therapist, & President and Founder of Grief Speaks Non-profit OrganizationSocial Media:Facebook : Yolanda Grief SpeaksInstagram : @GriefSpeaks1Website: www.griefspeaks1.comCheck out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!