The Integrative Palliative Podcast

Fragments and Light: An Exploration of Traumatic Grief

Delia Chiaramonte, MD Season 3 Episode 154

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Dr. Delia Chiaramonte shares her experience of traumatic loss of both her father and her father-in-law. 

Traumatic grief is not just about missing someone—it’s about having your sense of the world torn apart. It can show up in surprising ways: emotional numbness, panic, guilt, dissociation, and even physical symptoms. In this episode, you’ll learn how traumatic grief differs from more typical grief, and what helps people begin to heal.

You’ll also hear:

  • Surprising aspects of traumatic grief that many people don’t talk about
  • Evidence-supported tools to support healing after traumatic loss
  • The importance of the body in trauma recovery

Whether you’re grieving a traumatic loss or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a space for truth, tenderness, and the possibility of healing.

Mentioned in This Episode:

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7 free support)
  • Therapies that may help: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, trauma-informed grief therapy
  • Mind-body tools for trauma: grounding, breathwork, guided imagery, gentle movement

Connect With Dr. Delia:

If This Episode Helped You…

  • Please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
  • Share it with someone in your life who would benefit from hearing it
  • Subscribe for more heart-centered episodes about serious illness, caregiving, and the healing journey

Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: www.copingcourageously.com

A free guide for physicians to help reclaim your joy at work and in life https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2148540010

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