Exploring Grief through Transpersonal Psychology and Creative Practices with Dr. Jessica Thomas In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, the discussion features Dr. Jessica Thomas, a specialist in transpersonal psychology and grief therapy. Dr. Thomas explains how transpersonal psychology offers a broader understanding of grief through psycho-spiritual development. They delve into how mindful photography can be a powerful tool for processing grief and creating meaning. The conversation also touches on societal attitudes towards death, the importance of death education, and the necessity of communal support for grievers. Dr. Thomas shares insights from her book 'Choosing Light' and discusses her various projects aimed at integrating creativity and spirituality in grief work. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:29 Meet Dr. Jessica Thomas 01:00 Understanding Transpersonal Psychology 03:21 Grief as a Universal Experience 04:17 The Complexity of Grief 06:04 Society's Approach to Death and Grief 07:47 Personal Experiences with Hospice 13:26 Mindful Photography in Grief Work 16:41 The Power of Group Therapy 22:15 Choosing Light: A Deeper Look 24:47 Supporting Grief in Society 30:59 Future Projects and Closing Remarks --------------------------------------------- Dr. Jessica Thomas has spent over a decade studying transpersonal psychology, psycho-spiritual development, mindful photography, and the art of reflection. A leading figure in the intersection of mental health, academia, and the death industry, she is a professor at Lewis & Clark College where she teaches on death, loss, and psycho-spiritual development. She holds a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology and served on the board of The NW Association for Death Education and Bereavement Support for eight years now. As a death and grief educator and therapist, she is passionate about expanding the ways in which we engage in conversation around death and dying. I strongly believe that exploring one’s own grief and loss experiences and sharing those experiences in community with others can promote a healthier society. I’m the author of Choosing Light: Transforming Grief through the Practice of Mindful Photography and Self-Reflection and esteemed doctoral research, Mindful Photography and its Implications in End-of-life Caregiving: An Art-based Phenomenology. “I honor my grief experiences as wisdom gained when I host a Within and Without Mindful Photography reflection group or train a facilitator or teach courses on death and dying. Bit by bit, I contribute toward a systemic shift in our society where we can be more death accepting rather than death denying and where there is more access to social grief support rather than grief isolation.” — Jessica Thomas PhD. | Choosing Light Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choosinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicathomas/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-thomas-phd-lmft-8707b382/ Website: www.dr.jessicathomas.com ---------------------------------------------------- I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter https://www.themourningmovement.com hello@themourningmovement.com ------------------------------------- Opening Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
