Episode 133: From Feeling Numb to Meaning-Making with Renowned Grief Expert David Kessler

How do you move from feeling stuck to finding meaning and healing in your grief?
In today’s episode, I’m honored to speak with David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and the author who expanded Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s original five stages of grief by adding a sixth stage: meaning. We explore how common reactions like avoidance, blame, and bargaining are a normal part of the grieving process, and how finding meaning can be a transformative step toward healing. Whether you’re grieving a loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you better understand the continuum of grief and the power of creating meaning.
Here's what we cover:
The 5 stages of grief and how different parts of us experience loss
David’s 6th stage of grief and how it developed out of his own story
The most important question to ask someone who is grieving
David’s 7 guidelines for creating meaning after loss
Why grief is intimately linked to joy
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Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here (www.dralisonco...) .
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
• Episode 98 (www.dralisonco...) : I Shouldn’t Feel Alone in My Grief-Why Your Grief Matters & the #1 Most Important Support For Those Who Are Grieving
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Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.