Continuing Bonds with the Departed during Special Occasions
About this episode
Kathy Couch discusses maintaining connections with deceased loved ones during the holidays through the Continuing Bonds framework.
Episode Description The holidays are often branded as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for those sitting with grief, they can be the most isolating. In this bonus episode, Kathy—EMDR Consultant, Trainer, and Thanatologist—explores the Continuing Bonds framework. We’re moving away from the outdated idea of "closure" and instead looking at how we help our clients (and ourselves) maintain a healthy, evolving relationship with those who have died. Whether you are a trauma therapist supporting a grieving client or a clinician navigating your own seasonal heaviness, this episode offers a soft place to land and a professional lens on bereavement during the holidays. Key Takeaways from the Couch Moving Beyond "Moving On": Why the goal of grief therapy isn't to sever ties, but to transform them. The Continuing Bonds Framework: How internalizing the deceased’s values and presence helps stabilize the "SUDs" of holiday triggers. Rituals of Remembrance: Practical, trauma-informed ways to incorporate a loved one into holiday traditions without becoming overwhelmed. The Empty Chair: Navigating the physical absence vs. the psychological presence during family gatherings…
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