Healing Starts with the Heart
244 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratingsWelcome to the Healing Starts with the Heart podcast! Get ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery with your host, Sharon Brubaker. Sharon is a Grief Specialist and the proud owner of the Grief School, a unique place where individuals can learn the essential skills to navigate the grieving process.
In this podcast, Sharon will guide you through the ups and downs of grief and offer valuable insights and techniques to help you heal. Whether you've experienced the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or any form of emotional pain, Sharon's expertise and compassionate approach will support you every step of the way.
With her extensive knowledge and experience, Sharon has dedicated her life to helping others find solace and growth amidst grief. Her profound understanding of the human heart and the healing power it holds will inspire you to embrace your emotions and embark on a transformative journey.
Tune in to the Healing Starts with the Heart podcast and join Sharon Brubaker as she shares her wisdom, stories, and practical tools to help you navigate the challenging path of grief. Together, we will discover that healing truly starts with the heart.
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Episodes
Navigating Hospice with Guest Tamra Mosse
October 17, 2020 07:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MBWe know that many families struggle with the decision as to whether to use a hospice or not. We also know that many a time, the struggle comes from the thought of the impending death of a loved one. We did not struggle with the question of whether it was the end. We were witnesses to the unforgiving disease of cancer, which was taking a toll on our father’s body. Just to be clear, this blog is not an ad in support of or against hospices. We want to reach out to people struggling with th...
What to do with the Digital Accounts
October 10, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBThe sisters discuss what to do with the digital accounts i.e cell phones and social media accounts. When loss occurs the people left behind don't always know how to manage their loved ones digital accounts. It can be such a struggle to do this when you're grieving and your heart is broken. Also, if taken down too quickly you might regret it later when you have a clear head. For more information please see our website wwww.healingstartswiththeheart.com and join our private Facebook group ...
Dealing with the Red Tape
October 03, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBSharon and Erica talk about how challenging it is to handle the business of closing accounts and dealing with other matters when grieving. The griever might be feeling very numb and in shock as a result of the loss they have experienced, but they are expected to handle very serious matters in the midst of their devastation. For more information please see our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com and join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/hope.heal.recover/
Replace the Loss
September 26, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBThe sister discuss the need grievers have to fill the void in their broken hearts after their losses occur. Many grievers will attempt to replace the loss of their damaged relationship by rushing into another relationship. When a pet loss occurs some grievers will rush out and get a new pet because they think the pain will decrease or go away if they replace their puppy. Unfortunately, the only way out of grief is through the pain and replacing the loss will only prolong the inevitable. ...
Fake it Until You Make it
September 19, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThe sisters discuss the challenges involved with having to go out into the community when you're grieving. Unfortunately the world does not stop for your grief and although your heart may be broken you still have to plaster a smile on your face to interact with others. This is extremely taxing on the broken hearted and can cause long term problems if the behavior is not changed. For more information please see our website at www.healingstartswiththeheart.com.
This is Grief
September 12, 2020 17:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBSharon and Erica discuss the importance of really labeling the brokenness in your heart as grief. The sooner you correctly identify it you can go after the pain to free yourself. Unresolved grief will weigh you down and affect every area of your life. For more information see our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com. Also join our private Facebook group www.facebook.com/hope...heal...recover
Words Matter
September 05, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBErica shares a very personal story about how she and her son dealt with him being called a ver nasty racial slur while playing in a football game. The sisters talk about the importance of paying attention to the words we use. Whether addressing such uncomfortable topics as race, or when talking to a griever. Unfortunately grievers are given unhelpful platitudes as a means of comfort, but they are not comforting at all. For additional information and to read our blogs please go to www.heali...
Grief and Dating
August 29, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBWhether your grief was caused by a divorce, a death or a break up of a romantic relationship and you find yourself back on the dating scene it can be very challenging to navigate when your heart is broken. The sisters talk in depth about these challenges and how if you haven't healed your old hurts you can bring them into your new relationship. For more information please see our website:www.healingstartswiththeheart.com Also please join our private Facebook group www.facebook/hope...heal...
Long Term Illness VS Sudden Death
August 22, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBSharon and Erica compare the grief associated with a long term illness versus the grief that accompanies a sudden death. The sisters share their experiences with both types of loss. Both events cause extreme heartbreak and grief. For more information please see our website at www.healingstartswiththeheart.com as well as our private facebook group www.facebook.com/hope...heal...recover...
Grief and Our Changing World
August 15, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBSharon and Erica discuss the challenging times we as a society have been facing in 2020. They address Covid-19, the social unrest, not being able to attend a loved ones funeral and the economic crisis that many people are finding themselves in today. All of these things can result in people feeling unsettled and broken, which is normal. The sisters give tips on how to manage these feelings. For more information go to www.healingstartswiththehheart.com please join their private Facebook G...
Survivor's Guilt
August 08, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBSharon and Erica discuss the impact being a survivor has on an individual. The sisters also define what guilt truly means for a griever. This is something our first responders struggle with daily. For more information please go to our website at www.healingstartswiththeheart.com and please join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hope...heal...recover
Childhood Trauma
August 01, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBSharon and Erica discuss the very important connection between childhood trauma and grief. Too many children who suffered severe trauma were not taught the proper way to handle their emotions. The sisters discuss the grave consequences that will follow one into adulthood when their childhood wounds are not healed. For more information on this and many other topics see their website at www.healingstartswiththeheart.com. They would also like to invite you to their private facebook group at...
I Want to Die
July 25, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 33.6 MB VideoErica and Sharon give voice to the pain and the heartbreak felt by grievers. They have worked with many grievers who have expressed that they want to die. Erica shares her own personal experience with those feelings and the stigma she felt would attributed to her if she were to express those feelings out loud. The sisters discuss how these feelings are completely normal and how saying these words does not make one suicidal. They also give advice to the people supporting the griever to make...
The Second Year of Grief
July 18, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 6.58 MB VideoErica and Sharon discuss how the second year of grief can be more challenging than the first because the permanency of having to live life without your loved one sets in. In the first year, grievers tend to be in shock and numb to their new reality. But there is no denying it in the second year. The holidays and special days become more empty and it becomes increasingly difficult to live in a world without our loved ones. For more information please see our website www.healingstarstwitht...
I Have No One to Talk To
July 11, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 8.29 MB VideoErica and Sharon discuss how challenging it can be when you don't feel like you have anyone to talk to when you are grieving. Grievers need to be heard and they want to tell their story. It's part of the healing process to feel the need to share their pain with anyone who is willing to listen. For more information please see our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Your Thoughts Control Your Feelings
July 04, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 7.17 MB VideoErica and Sharon discuss how sometimes when we are grieving our thoughts will drive our emotions. The sisters share a very important message and that is that grief happens in your heart and not in your head. In an attempt to avoid doing the much needed heart work we need to heal a griever will allow their thoughts to distract them from how much they are hurting. For more information please go to our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Grief in the Workplace with David Keesee
June 27, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBSharon interviews a special guest, David Keese to discuss the challenges associated with grief in the workplace. Grief will take over every aspect of your life if you allow it and you will find this specifically in the workplace. When someone is grieving it is beyond challenging for them to focus on anything let alone their job. For more information please go to our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
I Can't Breathe- How Racism Can Be A Grieving Event
June 13, 2020 19:00 - 53 minutes - 20.7 MBSharon and Erica invite their sisters Yolanda and Sharlene along with their sister in law Peggy to discuss racism in America. This conversation is coming on the heels of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George's Floyd's deaths at the hands of the police. The sisters explain how racism can cause a grieving event in your heart. For more information please see their website at www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Couples and Covid19
June 06, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 6.75 MBSharon and Erica discuss the challenges couples are facing amidst the pandemic. With the family all under one roof it can cause conflict and drama in your relationship. The sisters share where hey are having challenges and they come up with suggestions on how you can prevent the stress of the quarantine from affecting you and your significant other. For more information please go to www.healingstarstwiththeheart.com
A Change in your Financial Situation
May 30, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBErica and Sharon continue their Covid series and discuss the multitude of changes families have experienced with the quarantine. Those changes being home schooling children, working from home or becoming unemployed causing financial stress. For more information go to our website: www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Avoiding the Feelings
May 23, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBErica and Sharon discuss how easy it is to engage in behaviors in an attempt to numb the pain from our grief. Such behaviors include: over drinking, over eating, binge watching TV and excessive social media usage. It is not uncommon to find things to distract ourselves from our pain, but if we are not careful we can develop addictions that will negatively impact not only us but our families as well. For more information please see our website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Helping Our Kids Cope with Social Distancing
May 16, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 7.12 MBErica and Sharon discuss how social distancing is affecting our children. Erica shares her struggle with her seventeen year old son Jordan. The sisters give some suggestions on how to address the pandemic with your children. For more information please go to their website www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Question from a Griever
April 25, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe sisters answer a question that was emailed to them from a griever. The question asked was if the manner in which a person dies affects how you grieve for them? The sisters share their most personal losses some tragic and some were due to long term illness. The grief they felt did not change based on the cause. The heartbreak and the sadness was the same and they still had to experience it regardless of the loss. Visit our website for more information www.healingstartswiththeheart.com...
Grief Share vs. Grief Healing Program
April 18, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe sisters discuss the difference between free grief share groups typically held at churches and facilitated by church members and their program. Grief healing is an educational program on grief and loss that has a set format and requires the griever to complete assignments where they examine their beliefs on grief and the pain in their heart. For more information on the program click this link: www.healingstartswiththeheart.com
Loss of a Business
April 11, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe sisters discuss the grief that is associated with losing a business. Sharon shares her very personal struggle with this specific loss when she had to close the doors on a children's closing store she opened. She describes how this business was like her baby because she along with her parents built it from the ground up. It was devastating for her when she had to close it down and walk away. For more information on the sisters please see their website: www.healingstartswiththeheart.com...
I Don't Like Who I am Becoming
April 04, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBSharon and Erica discuss how common it is for a griever to be so overwhelmed by their grief they begin to display features that are outside of their character. Erica shares how her grief manifested itself as anger and that is the opposite of how she normally behaves. The sisters share the importance of processing your feelings on a regular basis otherwise they will fester and come out in a negative way that will interfere with other relationships in your life. For more information see our ...
Something Horrible has Happened and I'm Not Coping
March 28, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBErica and Sharon discuss how challenging it is to cope with the feelings the that surface after a tragedy. The sisters outline some very specific coping strategies that might help you to manage your feelings. It's not uncommon for grievers to want to avoid using specific words or to even say that their loved one has died. No matter how much you try to avoid feeling sad; the feelings will still come. Grief will find a way whether you want it to or not. for more information go to our websi...
Miscarriage-Stillbirth-Infertility
March 21, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBSharon and Erica address the many times people experienced a grieving event as a result of a miscarriage, stillbirth or problems with their infertility. Often times their grief is minimized and it should not be. They have every right to grieve the loss of their child no matter what the cause. They dedicate this show to their sister Sharlene Honore' who was unable to bring her son home from the hospital. Please click on the link to their website for more information www.healingstartswitht...
Not So Social -Social Media
March 14, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.7 MBErica and Sharon discuss how social media has given many people a platform to make very negative comments to one another. This can be especially challenging for grievers when they are trying to find support. They even discuss the negative comments made about Erica and her husband after Austin's passing. It was heart breaking for her to read the very nasty things said about her by people who do not know her. If you would like to schedule a free phone session click the link below: www.he...
Healing Is Not One And Done
March 07, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBSharon and Erica talk about how important it is to continue your healing journey once you start. There are layers to grief and until you get to the root of what is causing your pain you will not have true healing. This is accomplished by completing the necessary heart work that the sisters refer to all of the time and teach in their educational program. If you do the work you will have peace in your heart and will not continue to be triggered by memories, pictures, and special days. For t...
Triggers
February 29, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBErica and Sharon talk about the things that can trigger you when your heart is broken. Erica openly shares about the things that have triggered her in the past and how challenging they would have been to manage had she not done the necessary heart work. The sisters admit that there will always be triggers, but they do not have to break you down. If you would like to speak with them about what triggers you set up a free phone session using the link below: https://healingstartswiththeheart...
It's Okay to Talk About It
February 22, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 13.1 MBSharon and Erica discuss the challenges grievers face with openly talking about grief. Unfortunately society is ill-equipped with how to talk about grief and often mislabel it and call it something other than grief. Grief is anything that causes your heart to break and it is more than just death. Sometimes it's a feeling that your life is just not as fulfilling as it should be. Whatever the cause it's okay to talk about it and should you want to speak with us schedule a free phone sessio...
Feeling the Feelings
February 15, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBErica and Sharon talk about how important it is to feel your feelings no matter how much it hurts. The sisters say "the only way out of the pain is through." Erica shares her personal struggle after Donovan died and how she completely resisted feeling any of the pain. It is from her personal experience they developed their program Processing the Pain of Grief.
Valentine's Day
February 13, 2020 20:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBErica and Sharon talk about how over commercialized Valentine's Day has become and for grievers this can be very challenging. It is yet another reminder that their loved one is no longer with them. This can be due to divorce, break-up or a death. The sisters discuss how important it is to come up with a plan for the day. Even if the plan is to stay in bed a cry; that's still a plan.
Raised in Grief
February 08, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBErica and Sharon discuss what it's like for a child to be raised as a griever. It's not uncommon when a parent dies for the surviving parent to raise their child grieving the loss even if they were too young to remember the relationship. The sisters share the experience of their client who grew up grieving the loss of his mother and it affected his entire life and all of his future relationships.
Planning the Funeral
February 01, 2020 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBSharon and Erica openly talk about what is involved when planning a loved ones funeral. They discuss how the process is completely draining and how your emotions will be all over the place. The sisters encourage everyone to do their research and to not be afraid to get prices from a variety of places. It's not uncommon that people rush to make decisions that they will later regret so the sisters suggest you take your time to make sure you are planning a day that will truly honor your love...
Jordan Isaiah Jones
January 25, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20.4 MBErica and Sharon pay special tribute to Erica's youngest son Jordan for his birthday. The sisters discuss Jordan's grief journey and what his experience was like after losing Austin at the age three and then losing Donovan at the age of twelve. Erica admits to making plenty of mistakes and because she was struggling with her own grief. If you have any questions about parenting while grieving or how to take to your children about grief schedule a free phone session using this link http://h...
Triggers
January 18, 2020 20:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBSharon and Erica discuss how individuals can be triggered by certain events, memories, and life experiences. They share openly about how they are no longer affected by certain triggers because they have done the work to mend their broken hearts. Grievers who are resisting doing their heart work or those who don't know where to start will be easily triggered by events and that will slow down their grieving process. if you would like to schedule a call with Sharon and Erica click here: ht...
Anonymous
January 11, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBSharon and Erica talk openly about a letter they received from someone who claims their experience with the sisters was less than favorable. The sisters apologize as well as outline how sometimes when people are grieving and do not feel worthy of positive interactions they will look to find the negative in everyone. If you would like to share your grief you can schedule a mini-session at https://healingstartswiththeheart.as.me
Grief is Sad
January 04, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBSharon and Erica discuss how challenging it is for people to talk about grief. Although grief is normal and natural it makes people very uncomfortable when they try to share their feelings with others. Erica and Sharon share that this will often cause people to isolate or avoid dealing with their grief.
New Year Same Pain
December 28, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBErica and Sharon discuss how easy it is to carry your grief and pain from one year to the next. We're constantly bombarded with themes every new year, but as grievers it is very challenging to stay motivated and invested on our emotional health. Should you want to speak to the sisters and schedule a free mini-session please use the link below: https://healingstartswiththeheart.as.me
Managing Your Grief During the Holidays
December 21, 2019 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBErica and Sharon talk about the expectations set for grievers during the holidays. The holidays can be a very painful time of year for grievers. The sisters encourage everyone to find a safe space the share their feelings because they know that grievers need to be heard and they need to be heard with respect. If you would like to speak with the sisters click on the the link below: https://healingstartswiththeheart.as.me
Grief and the Holidays with Jen Osler-Bolton
December 14, 2019 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBErica and Sharon speak with guest Jen Osler-Bolton about her family's first holidays after her husband passed away. Jen shares some of the challenges they faced with grief during the holidays as well as some new traditions they came up with as well. Jen and her kids supported each other through the process and made sure to openly communicate how they were feeling along the way. It was not for them, but they were determined to work though it all together.
A Griever's Experience with Jen Osler-Bolton
December 07, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 686 MBErica and Sharon speak with Jen Osler-Bolton who shares her experience with grieving her relationship with her husband while they were married. Jen discusses how she was able to let go of past resentments and anger, which drastically improved the quality of their relationship only to then have to grieve him again in death after he was killed in a tragic accident.
Grief is Exhausting
November 30, 2019 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBSharon and Erica discuss how tiring it is when you are grieving. You have to put so much energy into surviving a single day and then to add in your normal life routines can bring you down. Grief will drain you and it will make you not feel like yourself anymore.
The First Holiday Without Your Loved One
November 23, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBErica and Sharon interview David McCann to discuss his first holiday without his beloved wife Jani. David shares how challenging it was to face the holidays without his friend, confidant and life long love. In his words he will describe how he wanted to bypass the holidays, but his children and grandchildren wanted to celebrate with him. Erica and Sharon share what a struggle their first holidays were after their losses occurred.
Grief and Spirituality
November 16, 2019 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBSharon and Erica discuss the differences between their program and a faith based program. They share that this is an educational program designed to meet any individual where they are at in their faith or even if they don't believe. Grief is a personal journey and everyone deserves the freedom to explore their relationship with their higher power on their own time and in their own way. It is not uncommon for grievers to be angry at their higher power and blame the cause of their loss on t...
What is a Mini-Session?
November 09, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBErica and Sharon define what a min-session is and walk through the steps of what will take place when you call them. The Sisters acknowledge that talking about grief and loss can be uncomfortable and painful, so they try their best to ease the fears of those who want to get on the phone with them. Grief is more than just death and can be caused by over forty other known losses. You can still schedule an appointment to talk with them even if you haven't experienced a death.
Grief After a Natural Disaster
November 02, 2019 07:00 - 13 minutes - 13.1 MBErica and Sharon discuss the grieving experience caused by those who experience natural disasters. Sharon discusses her personal experience with the California Wildfires. She recounts how she was evacuated from her home and the painful feelings she experienced as a result.
Why Men Don't Get Help with Guest David Keesee
October 26, 2019 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBSharon interviews David Keesee about why men choose not get help when they are grieving. David shares his insights as well as his personal experience with being an exception to that rule.