Finding Grace in Grief: Navigating Loss with Faith and Shared Meaning with Jessica Barboza

In this heartfelt episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie, we sit down with Jessica Barboza, a licensed counselor with expertise in trauma-informed care and a deep commitment to integrating faith into therapy. Jessica’s work at Laetare Health Group focuses on relational and individual healing, and her unique approach helps families and couples navigate the profound challenges of grief and loss.

Jessica sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the grieving process, explaining why it’s not a linear journey but a deeply personal and communal experience. She introduces William Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning, emphasizing the importance of finding enduring connections with our loved ones while reengaging with the world.

We explore how couples and families often experience grief differently, leading to misunderstandings and disconnects, and Jessica offers practical advice for creating moments of resonance and shared meaning. Through her lens as a systemic therapist, she helps us understand how to navigate these differences and strengthen relationships during times of loss.

Jessica also shares how faith and spirituality—especially within the Catholic Church—can provide profound comfort during grief. From the sacraments to rituals like the Mass, she illustrates how the Church’s teachings honor life, death, and the enduring bond with those who have passed.

🔗 Learn more about Jessica Barboza and her work at Laetare Health Group: www.laetarehealth.com

Finally, we discuss how to support children through grief with clarity and compassion and how mourners can communicate their needs to well-meaning friends and family. Jessica reminds us all of the importance of compassion and grace as we navigate life’s challenges.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode filled with insights, practical tips, and faith-centered guidance for anyone coping with grief or supporting loved ones through it.

Next Episode Preview:
Join us next week as we welcome Dr. Carron Silva, founder of DrCarron.com, to explore the transformative power of forgiveness in marriage. We’ll discuss how childhood trauma impacts relationships, the unique challenges of cross-cultural marriages, and how faith can be a cornerstone for healing and growth. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.