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The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than getting over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
A Daughter's Love; Life After the Suicide Loss of Her Mum
Today I turn the microphone Caro's direction as she sits on the other side of the interview for a change. Many of you know Caro Brookings from her semi-yearly Interview Series. Twice a year Caro holds these amazing speaker series where you can hear 20+ suicide loss experts share their experiences and knowledge. I have been privileged to be a guest speaker all 4 times plus the upcoming one next week, Nov 6-10, 2023.
In her words: "After my Mum took her life in 2013, I quickly realized that there isn't enough support out there for suicide loss survivors.
I struggled with complex grief, including feelings of guilt. After trying every healing strategy under the sun, I finally found the one which works when I learned all about refuting thoughts and rewiring the brain.
I am now a Certified NeuroCoach and grief coach. I use brain based, science backed methods, as well as drawing from my vast experience, to support my clients find inner peace and even joy again - for good."
Today we get personal in Caro's loss journey. Losing a parent to suicide is a complicated loss of a lifetime that changes a child permanently.
This conversation was a joy to have. I enjoyed getting to know more about Caro's personal journey & I think you will also.
Some of the things Caro & I speak to are:
- How the loss of her Mum to suicide impacted her life
- What did her 'timeline' look like?
- What she discovered that changed so she could heal her trauma
- How she parents her children & talks about her mum to them
- And so much more...
Register for the FREE "Navigating Conversations After Suicide Loss "Interview Series HERE
AND
HERE are ALL of the other ways to find Caro
facebook.com/suicidebereavementcoaching
instagram.com/suicidebereavementcoaching
facebook.com/groups/healingaftersuicideloss
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PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" suppo
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💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
🔗 Stay connected: Join my free email community for weekly check-ins, resources, and encouragement.
🌟 For moms: Explore the $9 Lighthouse Community — safe connection, tools, and hope.
🛠 Resources for all grievers: Start here.
🤝 One-on-one grief coaching for moms after child loss to suicide: Learn more here.
📞 Need help now? If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the U.S. & Canada, or text HOME to 741741.