Did you know that what people call the five stages of grief were originally the five stages of death and dying? Elizabeth Kubler Ross, a pioneer in her field, highlighted the importance of recognizing and understanding the inner turmoil of those facing death. While these stages can be helpful for some, it's important to remember that they were designed for individuals who are dying. Let's not overlook the complexities of grief by simply applying these stages to every loss situation.

In her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, Elizabeth Kubler Ross discussed emotions that a patient might feel upon finding out that they have a terminal illness: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. The problem is that people have applied these arbitrary stages that a terminal patient MIGHT feel to something that all grievers DO feel, and it's simply not true. Some grievers cry, and some don't. Some grievers are angry, while others are not. Grief is unique to each individual, so classifying stages can be harmful.

Join our latest podcast episode with Cole James of The Grief Recovery Method as we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Mike Strick, an Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, and our Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator. We will debunk the five stages of grief and learn about his experiences working in hospice care and helping thousands of individuals navigate grief, loss, trauma, and emotional pain.