Episode 19. How to Move Forward When You’re Stuck in Grief: The Transformative Power of Community with Karen Sutton.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Why do I still feel so stuck?” or “Will I ever feel like myself again?”—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, I speak with Karen Sutton, grief coach and widow, about the thing we so often resist but desperately need when we're grieving: community.

Karen’s story begins with the sudden loss of her husband—a day that shattered everything. What struck me most wasn’t just her honesty about how lonely and lost she felt in those early days, but how she actively chose not to let grief define her. And it wasn’t about moving on or pretending she was fine. It was about connection. Real, messy, vulnerable connection—with people who understood.

We talked about:

The moment you realize the old “you” doesn’t fit anymore—and what to do with that

How being around others who get it can change how grief lives in your body

Why some support groups leave you heavier—and how to find ones that truly lift you

The hidden belief systems we carry around grief, guilt, and what it means to start living again

I left this conversation feeling deeply moved and strangely lighter—like I had just exhaled a truth I didn’t know I’d been holding.

Whether you're newly bereaved or years in and still aching, this episode offers more than comfort. It offers perspective, possibility, and a gentle nudge toward connection. Sometimes, that’s all we need to take the next step.

🧡 If you’ve been carrying your grief alone, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone.

🔗 Explore Further:

Karen’s grief community & retreats: https://www.karensutton.co.uk

Resources:

 take part in The Grief MOT - your first-aid course for griefDon't forget to subscribe to A Guide to After Life podcast list to be notified of more conversations about navigating grief: Book a free 15-consultation with me to discuss the results of your Grief MOTFind out about Grief Group Therapy that I offerUnsure whether to see a psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor or grief coach for grief support? Read this blog post to find out more.

Mentioned books: The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

 

A Guide to After Life is your go-to podcast for the young and widowed. This is your weekly space to help you live through grief.

• No. of episodes: 34
• Latest episode: 2025-06-03
• Kids & Family Health & Fitness Mental Health Parenting

Where can you listen?