Gloria Horsley

Dr. Gloria Horsley is an internationally known grief expert, psychotherapist, and bereaved parent. She started "Open to Hope" to help the millions in the world with grief. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and has worked in the field of family therapy for over 20 years. Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated internet radio show, The Grief Blog which is one of the top ranked shows on Health Voice America. She serves the Compassionate Friends in a number of roles including as a Board of Directors, chapter leader, workshop facilitator, and frequently serves as media spokesperson. Dr. Horsley is often called on to present seminars throughout the country. She has made appearances on numerous television and radio programs including "The Today Show," "Montel Williams," and "Sallie Jessie Raphael." In addition, she has authored a number of articles and written several books including Teen Grief Relief with Dr. Heidi Horlsey, and The In-Law Survival Guide.

Articles:

Connecting with Departed Loved Ones

In a compelling discussion on the Open to Hope podcast, hosts Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley welcomed Julie Ryan, a psychic medium and medical intuitive, to explore the fascinating world of spirit communication and the transition between life and death. Ryan, who combines her background as a surgical device inventor with her spiritual abilities, shared insights into how people can connect with departed loved ones and understand the process of transitioning to the afterlife. From Business to Spiritual Practice Ryan’s journey into the spiritual realm began thirty years ago when she discovered Carolyn Mace’s book “Anatomy of the […]

Journey Through Fentanyl Loss

Journey Through Fentanyl Loss The devastating impact of fentanyl poisoning has touched countless families across America, leaving behind grieving parents searching for understanding and hope. Mark Banarczyk’s story of losing his 17-year-old son Thomas to fentanyl poisoning offers a powerful perspective on grief, forgiveness, and finding purpose after tragedy. Thomas Banarczyk was an Eagle Scout and Christian who died after taking what he believed was Xanax purchased through Snapchat. The pill contained a lethal dose of fentanyl instead. His death in May 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights a critical distinction in how these deaths should be viewed – not […]

Music and Grief After Losing a Child

In a deeply moving conversation on the Open to Hope podcast, musician and author Nate McClendon shares his transformative journey through grief following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old daughter Naomi, who died in an accidental fall from a ten-story building in February 2014. McClendon, currently serving as the community engagement specialist at Kansas State University’s Beach Museum of Art, brings a unique perspective to grief and healing through his background as a musician who has worked with prestigious organizations including the Grammy Foundation and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Evolution of Love and Understanding Ten years […]

Navigating Grief After Substance-Related Deaths

The rising crisis of substance-related deaths in America has left countless families grappling with complex grief and overwhelming emotions. Through the experiences of Leslie Lagos, director of the Sun Will Rise Foundation, we gain valuable insights into the journey of healing and hope after losing a loved one to substance-related causes. A Personal Journey of Loss and Recovery Leslie Lagos brings a unique perspective to grief support, having experienced both personal recovery from substance abuse and the loss of her brother, Timmy, to an overdose in 2013. Her brother’s death on Thanksgiving marked a turning point that would lead her […]

Steps to Heal from Miscarriage and Baby Loss

The taboo surrounding miscarriage and baby loss continues to affect countless individuals, yet many suffer in silence. Dr. Aura Rose, author of “Sacred Sadness: Insights into the Spiritual and Energetic Layers of Miscarriage,” brings a fresh perspective to this sensitive topic through her research and personal experience with pregnancy loss. Understanding the Impact of Pregnancy Loss Dr. Rose’s journey into exploring pregnancy loss began after witnessing two women discussing their miscarriages in a coffee shop restroom. This encounter sparked her mission to create a space where women could openly share their experiences and find healing. The author’s research reveals that […]

A Journey Through Suicide Recovery

The sudden loss of a loved one to suicide creates ripples that affect families in profound ways. In a moving conversation on the Open to Hope podcast, Vanessa Francis shares her journey of healing and transformation following the unexpected loss of her husband Rick to suicide in March 2016. An Unexpected Turn Vanessa and Rick’s love story began through a matchmaker in 1994, leading to nearly 20 years of marriage and the adoption of their daughter. Rick, described by colleagues as “jovial” with a quick wit, showed no obvious signs of depression. The morning of his death began like any […]

Finding Joy After Multiple Losses

Dr. Nancy Saltzman’s story of survival and resilience stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and find joy after devastating loss. As an accomplished educator and recipient of the Milken Family Foundation Award, Saltzman faced unimaginable tragedy when she lost her husband and two sons in a small plane crash in 1995. A Foundation of Purpose Saltzman credits her ability to survive such profound loss to her upbringing and professional background. Raised in a family that emphasized making a difference in others’ lives, she carried these values into her career as an educator and school principal. […]

Understanding Pregnancy Loss: One Mother’s Journey of Love and Grief

The profound impact of pregnancy loss often goes unspoken in society, yet it affects countless families each year. Through the story of Lindsey Henke, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, we gain insight into the complex journey of loss, grief, and healing that follows the death of a baby. A Life-Changing Moment In 2012, Lindsey Henke experienced what no expectant parent should ever face. After a seemingly normal 40-week pregnancy with her daughter Nora, she noticed reduced fetal movement the night before her scheduled delivery. Upon arrival at the hospital, Lindsey and her husband received devastating news: their baby […]

Practical Strategies for Holiday Survival

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those who have lost loved ones. In a heartfelt discussion on the Open to Hope Conversations podcast, Dr. Gloria Horsley and her daughters, Dr. Heidi Horsley and Rebecca Barra, shared their personal experiences and professional insights about managing grief during the holidays. Understanding Holiday Grief The first holiday season after losing a family member often proves to be the most difficult. Rebecca Barra, who lost her father four years ago, initially resisted setting up holiday decorations or participating in festivities. Despite having four children, she struggled with acknowledging the holidays without her […]

For Widows Navigating Finances

The journey through widowhood presents unique financial challenges that many individuals find themselves unprepared to face. During a recent Open to Hope Conversations podcast, financial expert Kathleen Real shared valuable insights about helping widows navigate their financial futures after losing their partners. Understanding the Three Stages of Widowhood Real, author of “Moving Forward on Your Own: A Financial Guidebook for Widows,” outlines three distinct stages that most widows experience: Grief Stage: Characterized by shock and emotional turmoil, making it difficult to make clear financial decisions Growth Stage: A period of normalization when widows begin to take control of their financial […]

Open to Hope is an online community offering inspirational stories of loss, hope and recovery. We believe hope is the bridge between loss and recovery.