In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast, Dr. Lisa guides you into the Testing stage of the Loss Cycle — the moment you start living again. Not by jumping into romance, forcing healing, or pretending you’re “over it”… but by experimenting, exploring, and allowing curiosity to lead you forward.

This stage isn’t about perfection. It’s about movement. Small ones. Brave ones. Honest ones.

You’ll learn how to step back into your life with intention — whether that means updating your résumé, joining a new group, taking yourself to lunch, or yes, even creating a dating profile… but this time with boundaries, clarity, and self-respect at the center.

Testing isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about rediscovering you.

If you’re ready to try — gently, slowly, intentionally — this episode will meet you right where you are.

In this powerful episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast, Dr. Lisa Summerour breaks down the least-discussed stage of the loss cycle: depression. With honesty, clarity, and compassion, she explains why depression during divorce is not a failure—it’s a natural, human response to loss.

Drawing from her own journey and the teachings of Dr. Kübler-Ross, Dr. Lisa helps you understand the difference between grief-related depression and clinical depression, why emotions repeat in cycles, and why avoiding the sadness actually slows healing.

You’ll hear practical tools to help you move through the heaviness—timed emotional processing, movement, grounding, connection, and simple self-care that keeps your mind and body supported.

This episode gives language to what you’re feeling, anchors your experience in truth, and reminds you of this:

You’re not broken. You’re grieving. And you’re going to make it through this.

Join Dr. Lisa Summerour in this week's episode of her series on The Loss Cycle, where she delves into the bargaining stage. Dr. Lisa discusses the emotional intensity and desperation that can accompany this phase, especially near the end or after the end of a relationship. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, she explores how bargaining manifests, its impact on individuals, and the importance of recognizing and addressing it. She also provides practical steps to ground oneself in reality and move forward. This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating the complexities of emotional loss and looking to rediscover their path to healing and growth.