Phoenix Rising With Dr Z: Conversations About Grief and Loss

057: Chronic Illness and Grief with Angela Dean (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella and Angela Dean continue exploring the complex emotional landscape of chronic illness. From rebuilding identity after diagnosis to understanding the nuances of grief in long-term illness, this episode dives deep into what it means to live fully — even when your body won’t cooperate.
Whether you're navigating illness yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode offers insight, compassion, and validation for the many ways grief shows up when chronic illness changes everything.
 
Chapters
0:00 – Intro: Picking up where we left off1:45 – How relationships shift after illness6:10 – Parenting while managing chronic illness9:40 – The grief of changed routines and abilities12:30 – Fear of being a burden15:18 – “Who am I now?” – identity grief and self-worth19:55 – The trauma of medical care and being dismissed24:12 – Reclaiming agency and reframing the narrative
28:30 – Creating space for both joy and grief32:00 – Final thoughts and what helps in the hard moments

057: Chronic Illness and Grief with Angela Dean (Part 1)

Description:In this two-part series, Dr. Z sits down with psychologist Dr. Angela Dean for a powerful, candid conversation about chronic illness and its impact on mental health, relationships, identity, and grief. Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, they unpack the uncertainty, systemic barriers, and invisible losses that come with chronic conditions — as well as the deeply emotional work of advocating for yourself (or someone you love) in a complex and often disconnected medical system.
Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or working in the healthcare or mental health space, this conversation offers a validating look into the human side of chronic care.
Stay tuned for part 2 dropping 11/25.
Chapters 0:00 – Welcome & Intro to the Episode 1:25 – Meet Dr. Angela Dean 4:10 – From Set Design to Psychology 7:00 – Why Chronic Illness & Grief Matter 10:00 – Defining Chronic vs. Terminal Illness 12:45 – The Weight of Medical Uncertainty 17:20 – The Grief of Not Knowing 20:45 – Advocacy, Coordination, & the Healthcare Maze 24:30 – The Emotional Toll of Managing Chronic Illness 27:15 – Identity and Illness: “I have” vs. “I am” 33:00 – Shifting Language & Reclaiming Identity 35:30 – Medication Compliance & Psychological Resistance 41:00 – The Cost of Care: Financial Strain & Systemic Barriers 44:15 – Secondary Losses (Relationships, Intimacy, Self-Worth) 51:30 – Wrap Up & What’s Coming in Part 2
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056: Understanding and Helping Grieving Children with Jacey Ludlam, M.S. (Part 2)

Understanding and Helping Grieving Children with Jacey Ludlam, M.S. (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella and licensed counselor Jacey Ludlam continue exploring how grief shows up in children — and how caregivers, teachers, and clinicians can recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and support healing over time.
From behavioral shifts to developmental impacts, Jacey unpacks how grief manifests across different ages — including misdiagnoses like ADHD, internalized shame, and dissociation. The episode also offers practical insights for caregivers: how to talk to kids about death, what art and play can reveal, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Whether you're a parent, therapist, or someone who supports children, this episode offers grounded, trauma-informed guidance you can use right now.
 
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 01:00 – How grief shows up in children’s play, art, and behavior 03:45 – Misdiagnosis: Grief vs. ADHD 07:00 – The role of trauma in overlapping mental health conditions 10:00 – Judgment, shame & guilt in 7–9 year olds 12:00 – Using art to process grief 14:00 – Giving children safe choices when expressing emotions 17:00 – Signs of healing in grieving children 20:00 – Why grief resurfaces across developmental stages 23:00 – 3 key ways to support a grieving child 25:00 – How to answer difficult questions about death 28:00 – Age-appropriate language & metaphors 30:00 – Should kids attend funerals or viewings? 33:00 – The danger of leaving kids in the dark 36:00 – Creative expression & storytelling as tools for healing 38:00 – Why peer groups matter for grieving kids 40:00 – When is professional help necessary? 44:00 – The long-term effects of dissociation 46:00 – What happens when a child’s self-concept breaks down 47:30 – How serious illness changes a child’s understanding of death 49:00 – Closing thoughts & what’s coming next
 

056: Understanding and Helping Grieving Children (Part 1)

Understanding and Helping Grieving Children
Grief doesn’t skip over children — but it often gets overlooked or misunderstood.
In this episode, Dr. Z is joined by childhood bereavement expert Jacey Ludlam, M.S. from the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy to talk about what grief looks like at different developmental stages, how to spot the signs in children who “seem fine,” and how adults can offer the kind of support that truly helps.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or clinician, this conversation offers compassionate, practical insights into how to show up for grieving kids — without overwhelming them or shutting them down.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:48 – How Cindy got into grief work 04:30 – Do children really understand death? 07:02 – Developmental stages of childhood grief 09:45 – Signs of grief in younger kids vs. teens 13:15 – What children often fear but won’t say 15:40 – Why honesty matters (and how to do it right) 19:22 – Common mistakes adults make with grieving children 23:10 – Using rituals and legacy items to support healing 25:55 – Grieving in schools: what teachers should know 29:15 – How to keep the door open for hard conversations 32:40 – When to consider therapy for a grieving child 35:20 – Final thoughts & practical takeaways

055: Why NOT The 5 Stages of Grief? with Dr. Rebecca Morse

Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. These are the “stages of grief”. Does this really describe the whole experience of grief and bereavement? What are some better ways to think about and navigate grief?
About Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z In life, we so often avoid the complex and personal expression of grief. The avoidance makes it difficult to explore and share our grief in our everyday lives. Yet, it is a natural and universal human experience. In Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, we will be deconstructing and highlighting the different aspects of grief and loss.
If you found this podcast helpful please share it, subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. We want to be a resource for anyone who is experiencing loss and this is a simple way you can help us spread the word. If you are struggling with grief and need some professional help we encourage you to find a licensed therapist, and if you can, one who specializes in trauma, death, loss, and grief. If you are in Delaware you can reach out to The Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy at www.CenterForGriefTherapy.com, or by calling (302) 635-0505

054: Navigating Traumatic Loss with Dr. Ted Rynearson

Navigating Traumatic Loss with Dr. Ted Rynearson | Phoenix Rising with Dr. Christina Zampitella
 
In this episode of Phoenix Rising, Dr. Christina Zampitella dives deep into the themes of grief and trauma with Dr. Ted Rynearson, a retired psychiatrist with extensive experience in sudden unnatural deaths. Dr. Rynearson shares his personal story of loss and the importance of resilience and early support in coping with grief. The conversation touches on the impact of violent deaths, the significance of imagery in processing trauma, and the role of group therapy in healing. Dr. Z and Dr. Rynearson also explore the need for community-based peer support groups to address the gap in mental health resources. Join us for an insightful discussion on finding meaning and healing in the wake of traumatic loss.
 
00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising
00:28 Meet Dr. Ted Rynearson
01:36 Personal Story of Loss and Resilience
03:00 Understanding Unnatural Deaths
03:58 Historical Perspectives on Grief
07:01 The Dual Narratives of Violent Death
08:13 The Role of Imagery in Processing Trauma
16:10 Group Therapy and Resilience
20:16 Personal Reflections and Coping Strategies
22:55 The Importance of Support Systems
27:43 Challenges and Misunderstandings in Grief Therapy
38:49 Creating Peer-Led Support Groups
44:03 Conclusion and Future Plans
46:53 Closing Remarks

053: The Loss of a Sibling: A Journey Through Grief, Suicide, and Family with Nicole Jamison (Part 2)

053: The Loss of a Sibling: A Journey Through Grief, Suicide, and Family with Nicole Jamison (Part 2)
 
Join Dr. Christina Zampitella on Phoenix Rising as she delves into the heart-wrenching journey of surviving the loss of a loved one to suicide. In this emotional and insightful episode, Dr. Z interviews a guest who intimately shares her experiences, from the initial moments of discovering her sister's suicide to the challenges of supporting her niece and nephew. Listen as they discuss the profound impact of multiple losses, the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, and the critical need for community and professional support. They also emphasize the significance of open dialogues about mental health and suicide, aiming to dismantle the stigma and foster understanding. This episode provides a compassionate guide for anyone navigating the complexities of grief, trauma, and healing.
 
00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising
00:28 Discussing Suicide and Its Complexities
01:17 A Personal Story of Loss
05:01 The Aftermath and Family Impact
09:03 Coping Mechanisms and Community Support
21:22 Navigating Multiple Losses
37:18 Upcoming Podcast Plans
37:50 Emotional Reactions to Suicide
38:51 Stigma and Secrecy Around Suicide
41:01 Recognizing Risk Factors
42:38 Finding Support and Healing
51:38 The Importance of Open Dialogue
54:44 Growing Through Grief
01:06:07 Final Thoughts and Resource

053: The Loss of a Sibling: A Journey Through Grief, Suicide, and Family with Nicole Jamison (Part 1)

The Loss of a Sibling: A Journey Through Grief, Suicide, and Family with Nicole Jamison (Part 1)
 
In this heartfelt episode of 'Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z,' Dr. Christina Zampitella sits down with Nicole Jamison to discuss the sensitive and challenging topic of suicide. Nicole shares her personal story, opening up about the complexities of her sister Maria's life, which included adoption, bullying, divorce, and multiple traumas. Nicole recounts the highs and lows of their childhood, the impacts of their father's accident, and their mother's cancer diagnosis. She delves into Maria's battle with mental health, her use of anti-anxiety medication, and ultimately, the events leading up to her tragic passing. This raw and emotional episode aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of grief and trauma, offering understanding and hope to those navigating similar paths.
 
00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising
00:28 Discussing Suicide with Nicole Jamison
02:47 Nicole's Early Life and Family Background
06:06 Adolescence and Early Struggles
09:03 High School and Family Crisis
11:50 College Years and Early Adulthood
13:29 Marriage, Motherhood, and More Challenges
16:21 Mental Health Struggles and Seeking Help
24:31 Compounding Family Tragedies
30:04 Maria's Final Struggles and Tragic End

052: Overcoming Unimaginable Loss: Dr. Z's Journey Through Grief and Cancer

In this powerful episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, Dr. Christina Zampitella breaks her silence after a year and a half hiatus to share her deeply personal journey. From a knee replacement and a sudden leukemia diagnosis, to the tragic loss of her beloved dog and both of her parents within a week of each other, Dr. Z has been through a tumultuous period of intense grief and trauma.
 
She discusses her battle with cancer, including the grueling treatments and emotional toll it took on her, as well as the critical support systems that helped her persevere.
 
As Dr. Z prepares to relaunch her podcast, she invites listeners to submit topics and share their own stories of loss and healing. This episode is a raw, unfiltered look at resilience and the human spirit's capacity to rise from the ashes of profound loss.

051: Q&A with Christina Part 2

In this episode, Christina Zampitella sits down for a Q&A session. Christina is a distinguished expert from the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy. Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking dialogue that covers a range of topics from viewers like you.
__________
About Phoenix Rising
In life, we so often avoid the complex and personal expression of grief. The avoidance makes it difficult to explore and share our grief in our everyday lives. Yet, it is a natural and universal human experience.
In Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, we will be deconstructing and highlighting the different aspects of grief and loss.
__________
If you found this podcast helpful please share it, subscribe,  and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. We want to be a resource for anyone who is experiencing loss and this is a simple way you can help us spread the word. If you are struggling with grief and need some professional help we encourage you to find a licensed therapist, and if you can, one who specializes in trauma, death, loss, and grief. If you are in Delaware you can reach out to The Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy at www.CenterForGriefTherapy.com, or by calling (302) 635-0505