Phoenix Rising With Dr Z: Conversations About Grief and Loss
In life. we so often avoid the experience of grief, and that avoidance makes it hard to talk about in our everyday lives. Yet it is a natural and almost universal experience- one that is complex and personal.
In this podcast, we will be deconstructing and zooming in on the component parts of grief,
and talking about the different ways we can process and heal through loss.
About Your Host
Dr Christina Zampitella- is a Dr of Clinical Psychology and a Fellow of Thanatology, with the Association for Death Education and Counseling and the founder of the Center For Grief and Trauma Therapy in Wilmington Delaware.
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
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

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
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.

Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
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

Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
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

Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
In this episode, we delve into a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide: the current drug overdose epidemic. We aim to shed light on the factors contributing to the drug overdose epidemic and its far-reaching impact. This episode explores the significance of addressing addiction, promoting mental health, and providing support to those affected by substance abuse.
__________
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

Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
In this episode, we delve into a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide: the current drug overdose epidemic. We aim to shed light on the factors contributing to the drug overdose epidemic and its far-reaching impact. This episode explores the significance of addressing addiction, promoting mental health, and providing support to those affected by substance abuse.
__________
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

Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
In this episode, we embark on a journey to understand the profound significance of hospice care. Join us as we delve into the world of end-of-life care, uncovering the compassionate approach that hospice provides for individuals and their families during life's final chapters.
__________
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

Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
In this episode, we embark on a journey to understand the profound significance of hospice care. Join us as we delve into the world of end-of-life care, uncovering the compassionate approach that hospice provides for individuals and their families during life's final chapters.
__________
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

Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of caregivers and the immense impact their role can have. We aim to create an empathetic space where listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the caregiver experience. Caregiving comes with unique demands, and this episode aims to acknowledge and validate the complexities of this role. Join us as we shed light on the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that caregivers face, and uncover the importance of understanding and supporting these unsung heroes.
__________
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

Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of caregivers and the immense impact their role can have. We aim to create an empathetic space where listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the caregiver experience. Caregiving comes with unique demands, and this episode aims to acknowledge and validate the complexities of this role. Join us as we shed light on the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that caregivers face, and uncover the importance of understanding and supporting these unsung heroes.
__________
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



