Grief is the New Normal Podcast: Episode #31 More Than "Just a Pet": Validating the Depth of Your Grief After Pet Loss with Dr. Adam Duberstein

Grief is the New Normal

In this episode of 'Grief Is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the subject of pet loss with special guest Dr. Adam Duberstein, a clinical psychologist specializing in grief, loss, and human development. They delve into the unique aspects of grieving a pet, share insights on anticipatory grief, and explore the multi-faceted ways pet loss can impact mental health. Highlighting the importance of validating pet loss as legitimate and profound, this episode provides practical advice on navigating this type of grief, both for those experiencing it and for those supporting them. Dr. Duberstein also offers creative suggestions for memorializing pets and underscores the vital role animals play in our emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Today's Topic: Pet Loss

00:36 Meet Dr. Adam Duberstein

01:42 Understanding Grief and Loss

02:24 Personal Experiences with Grief

05:01 The Reality of Pet Loss

05:29 Common Misconceptions About Pet Loss

06:00 The Emotional Impact of Pet Loss

19:48 Supporting Those Grieving Pet Loss

29:52 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

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Dr. Adam Duberstein is a fully-licensed clinical psychologist who provides teletherapy to clients throughout Michigan, Vermont, Florida, and the states covered by PSYPACT. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology, which is where he also received his master's degree in clinical psychology. He also holds another master's degree in higher education and student affairs administration from The Ohio State University, and he has a bachelor's degree in English and psychology from Earlham College. Adam completed his psychology internship with Counseling and Psychological Services at Wayne State University.

Before becoming a psychologist, Adam worked as a high school English teacher, and he also worked as an academic advisor for college students. He currently is affiliated with two different Michigan-based psychological clinics: King and Associates in Farmington, MI, and Sage Tree Psychology Group in Oxford, MI.

Outside of his psychology practice, Adam is an adjunct professor at the Michigan School of Psychology, where he teaches classes on lifespan development, clinical skills, and ethics to students who are studying to be therapists. His research and teaching focus on ethical issues and problems within psychotherapy; human-animal interaction; and issues of emerging adulthood.

Adam provides clinical supervision for master's level psychotherapists, and he also does consulting work, including helping student affairs professionals to cope with burnout; assisting students with doctoral dissertations; and career coaching.

Adam is an active member of both the American Psychological Association (Divisions 5, 12, 13, 17, 29, 31, 32, and 42) and the Michigan Psychological Association.

In his free time, Adam can be found listening to music (he always welcomes music suggestions!), volunteering at his local library, or exploring hiking trails with his energetic rescue dogs.

www.adamduberstein.com

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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

[e-mail]

Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter

https://www.themourningmovement.com

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Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.