Kelly Grosklags

Kelly Grosklags, LICSW BCD FAAGC is author of “A Comforted Heart: An oncology psychotherapist’s perspective on finding meaning and hope during grief and loss.” In her 25 years of experience, Kelly has helped patients, families, caregivers, and clinicians understand and cope with grief, loss, and traumatic illness. Kelly founded an online forum of hope and healing, called “Conversations with Kelly .” She is also the award-winning filmmaker behind a ground-breaking educational documentary titled “Dying Is Not Giving Up ” which aims to teach compassion and empathy to future medical providers. Kelly is an international speaker, podcast host and social media blogger. For more information on Kelly, her work, and her healing community visit www.conversationswithkelly.com.

Articles:

Valentine’s Day and Grief are Connected

Valentine’s Day and Grief Valentine’s Day and grief can be a very tender combination. This is a commercialized holiday, and it has a strong presence in the stores, social media, and advertising. There is an emphasis on romance. If you have lost a romantic relationship, this may be an extra painful time. I have also heard from many parents and grandparents that this day brings up pain as their kiddo will not be participating in the Valentine exchange at school. Truly any loss can get activated by this day because there is such an emphasis on being together and celebrating. […]

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Emotions During COVID-19

Fear of Hoping is Obstacle to Grieving

Many people have a difficult relationship with the word hope. They have a fear of hoping. Someone asked me recently, “Does it take courage to hope?” The short answer is yes. Hope is a bittersweet word to many. They fear being that if they believe in something, they will be let down hard. Fear of hoping can act as an emotional protection of sorts. Yet hope is always available. I often hear statements like, “I am not sure if my hope is realistic?” I disagree; we need to allow our mind-body-spirit to experience hope, and not let our thoughts overwhelm […]

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The Difference Between Healing and Curing

There is a difference between healing and curing. We cannot change a diagnosis or a loss that has occurred. We cannot be sure that we will be cured. But we can take steps in healing. Healing is the ability to faces one’s fear with courage, forgive oneself and others, and express love. As we do this, we strengthen our spiritual life and learn to accept support. Healing is always possible. This does not mean the disease has been cured. Rather, it means we are able to accept the diagnosis and receive support. Unfortunately, many people define their life story by […]

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