Widowed Not Alone: Navigating Loss and Grief with Kathryn Monaco-Douglas

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Allison Answers, Kathryn Monaco-Douglas shares her inspiring story of turning tragedy into triumph by starting her own support group “Widowed Not Alone” for widows and widowers. Kathryn lost her husband when he was only 44 years old, and was told she had to wait 3 months before joining a support group. She also struggled to find a therapist she connected with and felt alone in her grief and pain.Kathryn felt that widows and widowers were missing adequate support in those early days of grief, and she was determined to change that. Kathryn became a grief coach and built support groups for people grieving the loss of their spouse. As Kathryn explains, grief is a complex and multi-layered process, and it's not something that can be overcome overnight. It takes time, patience, and the right kind of support to heal.Oftentimes, grief can grip us in a way that feels paralyzing and we get stuck in a fog that feels impossible to clear. Going about regular habits may not feel right, but Kathryn and Alison are here to tell you that you are strong and you have to keep going, but you don’t have to do it alone. It's okay to ask for help, and there are many resources available for those who are grieving. Whether it's joining a support group, seeing a therapist, or talking to friends and family, there are many ways to get the help and support you need.In this episode, Kathryn explains how her support group for widows is different from others, how she felt she lost her identity when her husband died, how she navigated dating and re-marrying, the trauma and PTSD that can come with losing a spouse, and how her support group “Widowed Not Alone” is changing lives by bringing hope and healing.Key highlights:The loss of Kathryn’s husbandHow Kathryn helps other widows navigate loss and griefWhy Widowed Not Alone is different from other grief programsThe identity loss that can happen after losing a partnerPTSD after lossWhat to look for in a therapistIf you are dealing with grief, don’t hold it in - reach out for helpHow to get involved with Kathryn’s programsConnect with Kathryn Monaco-Douglas:Website: widowednotalone.comInstagram: @widowednotalonePublic Facebook Page: St. Matthew’s Young Widow and Widowers GroupConnect with Alison:Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounselingWebsite: LagerCounseling.comYouTube: Alison AnswersFacebook: Alison Lager Lcsw CasacPurchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HEREWomen of Excellence FB group: Join HEREConnect with Alison:Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounselingWebsite: LagerCounseling.comYouTube: Alison AnswersFacebook: Alison Lager Lcsw CasacPurchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HEREWomen of Excellence FB group: Join HERE⚠️ Crisis Resources:Lager Counseling ServicesCall: 516-221-2123Text: (914) 363-0381Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org