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Dr. Louise Stanger, a licensed clinical social worker with more than 35 years of experience, author, and global parenting expert, joins Abdullah Boulad for a deeply human conversation on grief, resilience, family patterns, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.

She reflects on losing a child to SIDS, the sudden death of her spouse, and the painful silence surrounding her father’s passing. Louise speaks about unanswered questions, generational wounds, and how the body often carries what the mind is not yet ready to hold.

This episode offers perspective for anyone navigating loss, supporting someone through grief, or trying to understand how our histories influence the way we love, parent, and build relationships.

About Dr Louise
Dr Louise Stanger is a respected clinician, interventionist, educator, and author who has supported families through addiction, trauma, and major life transitions. Her approach blends research, empathy, and practical guidance to help people strengthen relationships, rebuild trust, and create meaningful change with compassion.

00:00:00 – Introducing Dr Louise Stanger
00:01:47 – A Life’s Mission Born From Grief
00:02:11 – Generational Trauma and Family History
00:02:33 – Losing a Child to SIDS
00:03:44 – Sudden Loss of a Spouse
00:06:13 – Her Father’s Suicide and Childhood Silence
00:07:33 – Education, Mentors, and Becoming a Social Worker
00:09:43 – Learning the Truth About Her Father
00:12:01 – First Teaching Job and Early Encouragement
00:12:33 – Grief, Secrecy, and Maternal Support
00:14:40 – Teenage Turmoil and Emotional Survival
00:16:41 – The Power of Safe Havens and Mentors
00:17:40 – What Makes a Safe Space Safe?
00:21:33 – How Grief Shaped Her Parenting and Marriage
00:25:29 – Coping Through Friendship and Creativity
00:30:31 – Learning to Be Present Again
00:31:32 – How She Defines Grief Today
00:34:09 – From Pain to Resilience and Choice
00:41:40 – Debunking Myths About Grief
00:44:02 – Interventions, Family Portraits, and New Beginnings
00:47:04 – Portraiture, Mapping, and Systemic Insight
00:51:44 – Family Interventions and Long-Term Change
00:55:25 – What “Invitation to Change” Really Means
01:02:35 – Reflections at 79: Staying Present
01:14:40 – Final Wisdom: Keep Falling Up

For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/

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