S2E19 | Navigating Grief and Loss: A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Tolfrey “from the other chair”

In this podcast episode we talk to Dr Michelle Tolfrey, a Clinical Psychologist supporting people with baby loss and a parent with lived experience. In her first pregnancy in 2015, Michelle had an ectopic pregnancy, she was quickly rushed back to work, it was very much treated as a physical health problem. Michelle got pregnant again 5 months later, at 37 weeks it was confirmed that her baby, Orla had died. She then became a peer in the loss community, where she then realised the importance of community in loss. Michelle’s second daughter was born 11 months later and is now 6 years old. Since this point, Michelle started “from the other chair” a blog where she spoke about managing life after loss with both hats of being a loss parent and a Psychologist, she has since gone on to develop “The Loss Collective”, which looks to support people at work who experience baby loss. 

Our Conversation Topics Include:

• Michelle's Journey into Parenthood and Her Experience of Loss

• How Her Personal Experience Inspired Her to Support Others

• Demystifying EMDR for Grief and Loss (It's Not Just for PTSD)

• Navigating Overwhelming Emotions Surrounding Loss including comparison, self blame and uncertainty 

• Coming to terms with there being “no reason” 

• Disenfranchised grief 

• Supporting Parents in the Workplace: The Importance and Approach

• Advice for Those Experiencing Baby Loss at Work

• What Michelle Would Tell Her Past Self and What Others Need to Know

• The Most Powerful Steps Toward Healing

• Words of Wisdom for Parents Facing Similar Challenges

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about grief, loss, and the vital support available to those who need it most. Join us as we delve into Michelle's remarkable journey and her mission to help others find their way through loss.

Connect with Dr. Michelle Tolfrey: Find Dr. Michelle Tolfrey on Instagram @fromtheotherchair and @the_loss_collective and explore The Loss Collective's work www.thelosscollective.co.uk Also, find more of her work on substack drmichelle.substack.com

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Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com