About this episode
EVEN MORE about this episode! What if you were born to heal a family's heartbreak? In this powerful episode, art therapist and grief expert Sarah Vollmann explores the emotional world of “replacement” children—those born after the loss of a sibling. With sensitivity and depth, Sarah shares how growing up in a grieving family shapes identity, expectations, and emotional development in ways that often go unspoken. Host Julie Ryan opens up about her own family's story following the loss of her sister Joan. Together, they discuss the silent impact of loss on siblings, especially preverbal children, and how families carry forward the memory of those who are gone. We also dive into the healing power of art therapy, and how creative expression helps children and families process grief, stay connected to lost loved ones, and reclaim their stories. From rainbow babies to intuitive sibling bonds, this episode offers profound insights and hope for anyone navigating loss, identity, or the legacy of love that lingers after death. Guest Biography: Sarah Vollmann is a board-certified art therapist and licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief and traumatic loss. She serves as Associate Director of the Young Widowhood Project and teaches at the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Sarah maintains a private practice, leads counseling at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, and co-authored Born Into Loss: Shadows of a Deceased Sibling and Family Journeys of Grief . Currently pursuing her doctorate at Tulane University, she presents nationally and internationally on grief, art therapy, and bereavement. Episode Chapters: (0:00:01) - Understanding Replacement Children (0:13:57) - Understanding the Impact of Family Loss (0:23:59) - Replacement and Gift Children (0:27:52) - Unseen Bonds With Deceased Siblings (0:32:49) - Family Dynamics After Child Loss (0:38:43) - The Concept of Rainbow Babies (0:42:56) - Healing Through Art Therapy Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube ✏️ Ask Julie a Question! 🌟 Follow on Instagram ! Please join Julie next week with your question. Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT. https://askjulieryanshow.com And, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes. Sponsors & Recommendations Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener’s actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .