What Breaks Us Open: Colleen Clifford on Grief, Addiction, and Finding Meaning After Loss

We often think healing begins when the crisis is over.But what if that's actually when the real work begins?In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Colleen Clifford, author, health coach, commercial fisherwoman, and alcohol-free advocate, to explore the hidden survival patterns that shape our lives and the courage it takes to face them with honesty and compassion.Colleen shares her deeply personal story of binge drinking, the devastating loss of her husband to alcohol-related suicide, and the complicated journey through grief, guilt, and healing that followed. Together, we explore not only how alcohol affects our brains and our relationships, but also what happens to the nervous system after prolonged stress, trauma, and loss.One of the moments that stayed with me most was Colleen's realization that it wasn't during the crisis that she unraveled, it was after everything had settled. Once the distractions were gone and survival mode came to an end, she found herself face-to-face with the emotions she had been carrying all along.In this episode, we explore:• The difference between binge drinking and alcohol dependence and why many people don't recognize the signs• The impact of alcohol on judgment, memory, and decision-making• Loving someone struggling with depression and alcohol use• Navigating the heartbreak of suicide loss and the guilt that often follows• The nervous system's shift from survival into collapse after prolonged stress• Why we so often cope by staying busy, and what happens when life finally becomes quiet• Self-forgiveness, resilience, and rebuilding trust with ourselves• The importance of talking openly about suicide, mental health, and asking for helpThroughout our conversation, Colleen reminds us that healing doesn't happen through shame. It happens through curiosity, compassion, and the willingness to tell the truth about our lives.Whether you've struggled with alcohol yourself, loved someone who has, experienced profound grief, or simply recognize yourself in the tendency to stay busy to avoid your pain, I hope this conversation reminds you that healing begins not by judging ourselves—but by understanding ourselves.Resources mentioned in this episode:• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or Text 988 in the U.S.)• Mental Health First Aid• Kevin Hines' advocacy work on suicide preventionConnect with Colleen CliffordWebsite: LifeBeyondTheBinge.com                Purepotential.healthBook: Life Beyond the Binge: A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey HomeInstagram: Purepotential.health Facebook: Purepotential healthIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation. Talking openly about grief, addiction, and mental health helps reduce shame, and reminds us that none of us have to navigate life's hardest moments alone.Until next time, stay curious.Share what resonated for youThank you for listening to the Spiritually Curious Therapist Podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review - it helps us grow and reach more listeners!Until next time.  Stay Curious.You can find Jodi Silverman, LCSW atwww.therachihealing.comwww.journeywithkindredsouls.comFollow me on Socials:TikTok @spiritcurioustherapistInstagram @therachihealingFacebook @TheraChi HealingStay up to date on our offerings by joining our newsletter hereAre you interested in learning more about Reiki Assisted Psychotherapy?Join our facebook group atwww.facebook.com/groups/psychotherapeuticreikiforcliniciansAre you a mental health professional with a spiritual edge and have something to share?  Complete this form to apply to be on the podcast