93 || Experts Opine: Grief and Post Traumatic Growth with Krista St-Germain

Welcome!

Guest: Krista St. Germaine, grief coach and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast

Krista St-Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her uncurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too. Krista has been featured online and in print in Psychology Today, Medium, Thrive Global, Bustle, Psych Central, and Parents Magazine and on select podcasts such as The SelfWork Podcast, Seek The Joy, Life Check Yourself, and You Need A Budget to name a few. 

Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Widowed Moms Podcast | Media

Episode Overview:

I welcome Krista St - Germaine to discuss the complexities of grief, especially as it relates to aging parents, spousal loss, and the unique challenges families face. The conversation covers personal stories, definitions of grief, cultural differences, anticipatory and sudden loss, and the journey toward post-traumatic growth.

Key Topics:

• Krista’s personal story of loss and how it led her to become a grief coach
• Defining grief: the natural human response to perceived loss
• The individuality of grief and why comparison isn’t helpful
• Cultural and family influences on grieving and bereavement
• Anticipatory grief vs. sudden loss, especially in the context of aging parents
• Supporting grieving loved ones: what helps and what doesn’t
• The importance of presence, witnessing, and holding space for others
• Navigating awkwardness and discomfort in conversations about loss
• Secondary losses: practical, social, and emotional changes after a loved one’s death
• The complexity of emotions: grief, relief, guilt, and joy can coexist
• How to support a parent or friend who is grieving, including when they find new relationships
• The concept of post-traumatic growth and finding hope after loss

Resources Mentioned:

• Krista’s “Memories That Matter” journal: 100 prompts to help preserve memories of loved ones (coachingwithkrista.com/real)
• The Widowed Mom Podcast

Connect with Krista:

• Website: coachingwithkrista.com
• Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast
• Socials and additional resources available on her website

Takeaways:

• Grief is unique to each person and situation; there’s no right or wrong way to feel.
• Supporting someone in grief is about presence, not fixing.
• Relief and joy can be part of grief, and that’s normal.
• Post-traumatic growth is possible—grief can lead to deeper meaning and positive change.

Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it and check out the resources above for more support.

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

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Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.