#690 - Redefining Grief: Why You Don’t Just “Get Over It!" With Dr. Gloria Horsley & Dr. Heidi Horsley

EVEN MORE about this episode! Grief is not something to “get over”—it’s a lifelong journey of learning how to live while honoring the memory of those we love. In this powerful episode, grief experts Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley share compassionate wisdom on navigating loss, breaking free from unrealistic timelines, and embracing the personal process of creating a “new normal.” Together, we explore the emotional, biological, social, and spiritual dimensions of grief, and highlight the unique challenges faced by families who’ve lost loved ones in service roles such as the military and firefighting. Gloria and Heidi discuss the importance of peer-to-peer support through organizations like TAPS, share personal stories of resilience, and reflect on gender differences in grieving and remarriage. You’ll learn how unresolved grief can resurface years later, how joy and laughter can coexist with sorrow, and how forgiveness and post-traumatic growth can bring deep healing and purpose. Above all, this conversation reminds us that grief is not linear—it is unique, unpredictable, and filled with moments of both pain and profound spiritual growth. Join us for this heartfelt discussion on love, connection, and the strength of community in the face of loss. Guest Biography: Heidi Horsley, PhD is a licensed psychologist, social worker, and bereaved sibling. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Open to Hope Foundation, and co-hosts the award-winning Open to Hope cable television show and podcast. An Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and an award-winning author of eight books, Dr. Heidi maintains a private practice in NYC and has been featured on numerous media outlets, including 20/20 . She serves on the advisory boards of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, and Peace of Mind Afghanistan (POMA). For a decade, she worked with the FDNY-Columbia University Family Guidance Program, supporting families of firefighters lost in the 9/11 attacks. Her doctoral research focused on the sudden death of a sibling. Gloria Horsley, PhD is a licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical nurse specialist, and president/cofounder of the Open to Hope Foundation. She co-hosts the award-winning Open to Hope TV and podcast, and previously served on the faculty of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and the Academy of Intuition Medicine. Gloria has co-authored 10 books, contributed to numerous publications, and appeared on major media outlets including The Today Show . She is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and serves on the advisory boards for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation. Widowed after 60 years of marriage, she is the mother of four children (including a deceased son) and grandmother to 10. Gloria and her partner, Dr. Frank Powers, divide their time between Palo Alto, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ. Episode Chapters: (0:00:01) - Understanding Grief and Healing (0:14:20) - Navigating Loss and Moving Forward (0:24:19) - Grieving Without Set Stages (0:38:31) - Navigating Grief and Finding Joy (0:46:01) - Lessons in Grief and Spiritual Growth ➡️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 ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français 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 .