Description

Unanticipated Loss with Jennifer Levin, FT – Part 2

Grieving the unimaginable takes more than time — it takes validation, stabilization, and the space to be fully human. In Part 2 of this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella continues her discussion with grief and trauma expert Dr. Jennifer Levin, diving into what it really means to navigate unanticipated loss.

This episode offers a rare and honest look at:

• The internal and external experiences of traumatic grief
• How the body carries the weight of sudden loss
• What it means to "resource" someone before they’re ready to process
• How grief shows up in real life — not just theory
• The dangers of toxic positivity and forced timelines for healing
• How to find the right kind of therapeutic support for traumatic grief

Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with insight, warmth, and clarity.

00:00 – Welcome back & setting the stage
 01:10 – Why trauma work doesn’t begin right away
 04:50 – Stabilization and building a therapeutic alliance
 06:00 – Moving the trauma out of the center of the grief
 08:30 – Resourcing clients: what it means and why it matters
 12:00 – When your way of grieving makes others uncomfortable
 14:45 – The power of group support and shared grief
 17:20 – How unanticipated loss can reshape who we are
 21:10 – The body keeps the score — even in grief
 23:30 – Why avoidance can feel protective (but isn’t sustainable)
 25:30 – Oscillation in grief: approach and withdraw
 27:00 – Advice for people navigating unanticipated loss
 28:30 – The pain of losing a child and the depth of guilt
 30:00 – What not to say to someone grieving
 32:00 – Finding the right therapist for traumatic grief
 35:00 – The need for trauma-informed grief care
 36:00 – Dr. Levin’s resources and closing reflections