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The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. This show is about life after suicide—real talk and practical support for grief after suicide: parents, partners, siblings, and friends finding their footing again. Each week, we explore what helps in suicide bereavement so you can keep going with honesty and hope.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son, Alex, died by suicide in 2016, the podcast blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health experts with short solo “Daily Nugget” episodes you can actually use. We cover child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that make life livable again. You’ll hear grounded tools, language that honors your person, and the reminder that you are not broken—you are grieving.
For supporters and educators, these episodes offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support looks like. If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest via my website. 💜
Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about difficult experiences and may feel activating. We avoid method details and graphic description. Please care for yourself as needed. I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist; nothing here is medical or mental-health advice.
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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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 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.