What is Grief? How do we find peace after a loss? What do we do with the heartache? with Claire Willis, LICSW [Episode 56]

<p>Claire Willis LICSW joins Paul Krauss MA LPC to discuss the topic of grief and the multifaceted ways in which it effects a person, a family, a community, and the culture at large. Claire discusses the many ways that people cope with losses, including those who feel ashamed in their grief. Claire sheds light on why people often feel differently when they lose a pet versus a person. Claire and Paul discuss what happens when a person denies or refuses to deal with their grief. There is further discussion regarding the "Authenticity Movement" and how being brave about your feelings can be both difficult and rewarding.</p> <p>Claire has recently co-authored a book with Marnie Crawford Samuelson entitled "<a href='https://bookshop.org/books/opening-to-grief-finding-your-way-from-loss-to-peace-9781590035122/9781590035122'>Opening to Grief: find your way from loss to peace</a>" that is a guide for people who are grieving and want help. Paul recently read  Opening to Grief and he and Claire discuss the way it is structured and the resources it offers.</p> <p><a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-willis-licsw-92913711/'>Claire B. Willis</a>, LICSW is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A co-founder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has co-taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School. She maintains a private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained by Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, she has been a student of Koshin Paley Ellison, a founding teacher at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. Besides Opening to Grief, Willis is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life. <a href='https://openingtogrief.com/'>Opening