Is there a "right" way to express pain after a loss?

In this episode, Dr. Mari Marquez, PhD, explores why grief is a unique, non-linear journey, using the public discussion surrounding Candace Owens and Erika Kirk to shed light on individual adaptation.

Dr. Mari Marquez is a personal growth educator after loss with a PhD in psychology. Her research focuses on meaning-making and growth after significant loss, blending lived experience with evidence-based insights to help you navigate your own unique path.

In this episode, Dr. Mari discusses the phenomenon of "grief policing"—the societal pressure to mourn in a specific way—and how comparing your journey to others can complicate your own adaptation. You will learn about the research-backed factors that influence our diverse responses to loss, including personality traits, cultural backgrounds, and the nature of the bond with the deceased.

You'll discover how to cultivate more compassion for yourself and others by understanding that while some lean into "action mode" to honor a loved one, others require a quiet retreat for emotional processing. Neither path is wrong; both are valid forms of navigating the profound sorrow of loss.

What You'll Learn:

-Why grief is a personal journey with no "standard" timeline.

-The impact of societal expectations.

-How personality and resilience factors influence coping styles.

-And the role of cultural traditions and past experiences in emotional expression.

- Chapters:

00:00 Introduction – Is there a right way to grieve?

00:24 Case Study Introduction: Candace Owens & Erika Kirk

00:48 Welcome & Workshop Announcement

01:38 Society's Expectations on Grief

03:11 Public Figures Navigating Grief: Candace vs. Erika

05:04 Candace Owens Clip (Audio Segment)

07:59 Reflecting on Different Grief Responses

08:18 Recap: Candace's Retreat vs. Erika's Interview

09:35 Why Do We All Grieve Differently?

11:05 Individual Circumstances & Nature of Death

12:31 Coping Mechanisms & Personality Factors (Sage Journals 2016)

14:09 Cultural Backgrounds & Emotional Expression

15:20 Past Trauma & Mental Health Impact

16:29 Conclusion: No "Right" Way to Grieve

17:28 Emotional Processing Workshop Invitation

18:39 Final Thoughts & Closing

The "Dr. Mari" Disclaimer: This podcast is educational and supportive in nature. It is not therapy, clinical advice, or a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek guidance from a licensed professional.

Connect with Dr. Mari: 🌐 Website: https://drmarimarquez.com

💻 Register for the Emotional Processing Workshop: https://workshops.drmarimarquez.com/

📱 Instagram: @drmarimarquez

📘 Facebook: Dr. Mari Marquez

Not all coping strategies support your grief journey—some can keep you stuck. In this episode, Dr. Mari Marquez, PhD, explores the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to help you navigate grief with compassion and clarity.

Dr. Mari Marquez is a personal growth educator after loss with a PhD in educational psychology. Her research focuses on meaning-making and growth after significant loss, blending lived experience with evidence-based insights.

In this episode, Dr. Mari shares her personal story of losing her husband and how she learned that understanding grief is only part of the journey—taking action with healthy coping strategies is what truly supports adaptation over time. She breaks down five research-backed coping approaches: problem-focused, emotion-focused, meaning-focused, social, and avoidance-focused strategies.

You'll learn to recognize unhealthy patterns like substance use, social isolation, distraction, perfectionism, and rumination—and discover supportive alternatives like connecting with others, engaging with nature, creative expression, physical movement, and meaningful rituals. This episode is designed to help you make informed choices about which strategies align with your unique grief journey.

What You'll Learn:

The difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies
Why problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused coping can support resilience
How social connection acts as a buffer against grief-related stress
The risks of substance use, isolation, and avoidance in prolonging emotional distress
Practical, research-backed strategies: nature, creativity, movement, and rituals
How to reflect on your own coping patterns and make intentional changes

Connect with Dr. Mari:
🌐 Website: https://drmarimarquez.com
📧 Newsletter: [Sign up for exclusive insights]
📱 Instagram: @drmarimarquez
📘 Facebook: Dr. Mari Marquez

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on grief education, personal growth after loss, and navigating life with compassion and purpose.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction – Dr. Mari's Personal Story
01:00 Start of Episode - Finding Your Way Through Grief
02:30 There's No "Right" Way to Grieve
04:40 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies
08:50 Problem-Focused Coping
09:47 Emotion-Focused Coping
10:27 Meaning-Focused Coping
11:14 Social Coping
11:46 Avoidance-Focused Coping
12:24 Understanding Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Strategies
14:30 Unhealthy Coping: Substance Abuse
15:12 Unhealthy Coping: Social Isolation
15:56 Unhealthy Coping: Distraction Techniques
16:33 Unhealthy Coping: Perfectionism
17:18 Unhealthy Coping: Rumination
18:24 Healthy Coping: Connecting with Others
19:39 Healthy Coping: Engaging with Nature
20:22 Healthy Coping: Creative Expression
21:37 Healthy Coping: Physical Movement
22:05 Healthy Coping: Memorials and Rituals
23:25 Reflection Exercise: What Will You Try?
24:37 Closing & Resources

Are the Five Stages of Grief Descriptive or Prescriptive?

Welcome to the Growth After Loss Podcast! In this enlightening episode, Dr. Mari Marquez, Ph.D., a personal growth educator, delves into the widely known Five Stages of Grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

What You'll Learn:

- Why the Five Stages of Grief are descriptive, not prescriptive.

- How grief is a non-linear journey filled with fluctuating emotions. - It's completely normal to experience confusion, anger, or numbness at different times.

- The importance of acknowledging your unique grieving process and practicing self-compassion.

- Insightful stories and research on living with grief, maintaining bonds, and finding personal growth after loss.

This episode blends education, lived experiences, and research to offer you a compassionate understanding of grief. It's not therapy, but it provides valuable insights to help you navigate your journey with greater clarity and kindness.

For more information on educational programs and resources, visit: https://drmarimarquez.com

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes dedicated to grief education, personal experiences, and growth after loss. Like, share, and leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:05 The Five Stages of Grief: Descriptive, Not Prescriptive

05:20 Understanding Emotional Variability in Grief

09:35 Personal Reflections: Am I Grieving Correctly?

13:45 Support & Connection: You Are Not Alone

18:10 Research Insights & Continuing Bonds

22:30 Encouragement for Self-Compassion

25:00 Closing