‘Navigating Life After Loss’

Conversations about grief, bereavement and life after loss

About Navigating Life After Loss

Navigating Life After Loss is a podcast mini-series exploring grief, bereavement and the realities of living after loss.

Through honest conversations, lived experience and thoughtful reflection, the series explores how grief can affect everyday life, relationships, identity and the way we connect with others.

There is no single way to grieve. These conversations aim to make space for different experiences of loss, challenge some of the assumptions surrounding grief and encourage more open, compassionate conversations about what can help.

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Helen as a Podcast Guest

Navigating Life After Loss with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

In this special guest conversation with NCPS, I share more of my story and the experiences that ultimately led to the creation of The Flying Fish Company®.

From becoming widowed at 24 following a suicide bereavement, to retraining in social work, experiencing a life-changing road traffic accident, and discovering the impact of trauma-focused therapy, the conversation explores some of the moments that changed the course of my life.

I also talk about the work I do today, helping organisations build greater confidence and compassion around grief in the workplace.

Listen to the NCPS Conversation here →

- Navigating Life after Loss
What Does Grief Feel Like? Episode 1

Navigating grief after losing someone is a deeply personal experience.
When my husband took his own life unexpectedly, I was thrust into a disorienting world where everything looked the same but felt different. It’s like being plucked from one life and dropped into another. Shock, numbness, and confusion enveloped me. I avoided TV and radio, creating a protective bubble. But returning to work shattered that illusion. The gravity of loss hit me hard, and reality sank in. Grief is a rollercoaster of emotions—sadness, anger, and anxiety. It’s unpredictable, like waves crashing over you. Remember, there’s no right way to grieve; it’s your unique journey.
- Navigating Life after Loss
Navigating the Waves episode 2

In the second episode of the "Life After Loss" series, titled "Navigating the Waves," I explore the complexities of grief beyond the traditional models. With a focus on personal stories and insights, this episode delves into the non-linear, cyclical nature of grief, challenging the conventional five stages of grieving. I share my experience of becoming widowed at 24 and address the unexpected triggers of grief, like everyday sounds and smells.
The episode emphasises that grief is not a task to be completed but a journey to be lived through, offering listeners a compassionate, nuanced perspective on dealing with loss.
Tune in to gain deeper understanding and support for navigating your own grief waves.
- Navigating Life after Loss
Embracing New Horizons: Tides of transition Episode 3

When life takes an unexpected turn, we’re often stripped bare—our routines, identities, and familiar paths disrupted. It’s like standing at a crossroads, where we can choose to rewrite our story, embracing new horizons that resonate with our hearts.

But what if that opportunity vanishes? Imagine losing the ability to leave things to the last minute, to feel the rush of panic that once motivated you. For me, a traumatic head injury shattered independence. I couldn’t swim—the water that once soothed me became a challenge. Tasks like cooking and driving were no longer simple.

Relying on others felt both necessary and frustrating. Gratitude mingled with pressure, and relationships strained under the weight of dependence. My story isn’t just about me—it’s about non-death losses. From a vibrant life to struggling in bed, I navigated uncharted waters.

And then there were the sounds—the crinkle of sweet wrappers, the irritation that pierced her senses. Loss isn’t always about death; it’s about adapting to a new normal, finding resilience, and discovering unexpected strength.

Stay tuned for more insights as we explore life after loss.

Testimonials

Here's what listeners are saying about the Navigating Life After Loss podcast series– heartfelt stories, compassionate insights, and the impact it’s made on their journeys.

“Hi, I’ve just watched your 3rd podcast and OMG I had tears in my eyes because it made me think back to when K was 1st diagnosed with a disability at age 3. I used to think why has this happened to my baby, what kind of future is she going to have etc. I actually felt guilty for feeling like that because I wouldn’t change her for the world but listening to the podcast made me think I was probably grieving for what I was hoping she would have in her future rather than embracing her whatever the future held. ”

— Podcast Listener

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“Your third podcast is amazing. It’s so relevant and it’s just taken so much pressure off how I am feeling. I’ve wanted so many times to explain the last two years as grieving but always felt I’d be judged because no one died. Thankyou for putting this out there. I know I’ve found so much but I lost so much and I really feel like I’ve been grieving and cried all the way through your podcast because it was just a relief to allow myself to have these feelings without guilt.”

— Podcast Listener