Exploring Grief’s Long Arc: New Episode of Unseen Light Podcast with Dr. Sheila Collins

A Revolutionary Perspective on Processing Loss

We’re excited to announce the release of our latest episode of Unseen Light Podcast, where host Astrid explores the transformative nature of grief with internationally recognized authority Dr. Sheila Collins.

In this profound conversation, Dr. Collins challenges conventional wisdom about loss and reveals how grief doesn’t follow a predetermined schedule or the neat five stages we’ve been taught to expect. Instead, she offers a revolutionary perspective that views grief as a spiral journey—one that can ultimately lead to unexpected gifts and deeper appreciation for life.

About Our Guest: Dr. Sheila Collins

With over four decades of experience as a PhD psychotherapist and background as a professional dancer, Dr. Sheila Collins brings a unique approach to understanding grief. Her award-winning books, including “Warrior Mother” and “The Art of Grieving,” have transformed how many process their losses.

After experiencing profound personal tragedy—losing both her son and daughter in early adulthood—Dr. Collins became a member of a women’s spirituality group in East Texas for over 30 years and pioneered revolutionary methods combining movement, storytelling, and creative expression to help thousands transform their grief.

Key Insights from This Episode

• Grief follows a spiral path, not linear stages: Dr. Collins explains that grief moves in circles rather than a straight line of progressive stages, and this is actually how our brains naturally process experiences.

• The healing power of creative expression: Learn how movement, dance, and artistic expression can unlock emotions and memories stored in the body, allowing for processing that talking therapy alone might miss.

• Transforming pain into purpose: Discover how channeling grief into action—whether through advocacy, education, or creative expression—can help transform loss into something meaningful.

• Embracing “grief bursts”: Rather than fearing unexpected waves of emotion, Dr. Collins encourages recognizing them as natural and even valuable reminders of love.

• The importance of self-care in grieving: How caring for yourself is essential to processing grief in healthy ways, not a selfish act as many are conditioned to believe.

  
  

Watch the Full Episode

Dr. Collins’ Recommended Resources

For those looking to explore these concepts further, Dr. Collins has authored several influential books:

• The Art of Grieving: How art and art-making help us grieve and live our best lives

• Warrior Mother: Fierce love, unbearable loss, and the rituals that heal

• Self-Care Playbook: For caregivers to find ease, time to breathe, and reclaim joy

Connect With Unseen Light Podcast

If you found value in this episode, follow Unseen Light Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. For those wanting to go deeper, check out our certified online courses designed to help you navigate your spiritual journey with clarity and purpose.

Let your unseen light shine!

Keywords: grief process, Dr. Sheila Collins, Unseen Light Podcast, transforming grief, grief spiral, creative expression therapy, grief healing, processing loss, movement therapy, grief bursts