In this podcast episode, we have Ghulam Fernandes, a Grief Specialist, sharing her personal journey through grief and how it led her to help others dealing with similar challenges.

Ghulam starts by sharing a personal story of her struggle with grief after her mother's death. At that time, she didn't understand that grief could manifest in various ways, including self-soothing behaviours. In her case, it was comfort eating. For years, she battled with her weight and tried unsuccessfully to manage her eating habits, all because she hadn't yet realized the purpose behind these actions – a way to cover up the pain of loss.

As a teenager, Ghulam experienced hormonal changes alongside her grief, which further complicated her situation. But it wasn't until she connected her weight issues to unresolved grief that she began to find answers. Her journey through loss was profound, including the deaths of her mother, brother, sister, and father, as well as multiple miscarriages. These experiences, coupled with other life stresses and strains, piled onto her emotional burden.

Ghulam reflects on how people often resort to various coping mechanisms to deal with grief, such as binge-watching TV shows or seeking solace in fantasy worlds. She mentions that while these activities can provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying pain and issues.

When it comes to seeking help for grief, Ghulam explains her approach. She offers a free guide called "The Five Key Steps in Handling Your Grief" and a discovery call to assess whether someone needs professional help. Finding a values match between the client and the specialist is crucial. Her grief program focuses on knowledge, tools, and processes for healing.

Regarding the duration of her program, Ghulam believes that around 12 weeks is optimal. An extended program not only helps clients maintain their progress but also provides ongoing support and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of investing time, energy, and finances in the full program to equip clients for lifelong coping.

Ghulam also touches on the significance of recognizing unresolved grief. Common signs include regrets, guilt, and disappointment. She shares a personal story of how she learned to communicate openly with her father before his death to avoid regrets. Ghulam's "going from grief to gratitude" process aims to help individuals address unresolved grief and improve their lives.

In conclusion, Ghulam Fernandes invites listeners to explore her website, www.handling-grief.com, where they can find resources and guides on handling grief. She expresses her commitment to helping individuals navigate their grief journeys and ultimately find healing and growth.

Ghulam's website - Handling Grief

Facebook page - Grief Transformation Coach

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghulam-fernandes-griefspecialist/

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