What happens when the life you imagined for your child suddenly changes?

In this deeply moving episode, I speak with author and advocate Jodi Michele Cutler to explore her journey into post-traumatic parenting after her son was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just 11 months old.

What began as a dream, moving to Italy with her newborn and starting a new chapter, quickly shifted into a moment that would change everything.

Jodi shares the emotional impact of receiving her son’s diagnosis in a foreign country, navigating language barriers, and processing the shock, grief, and uncertainty that followed.

Together, we explore what it means to parent through the unexpected, and how even the most overwhelming experiences can become pathways to connection, advocacy, and growth.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What it feels like to receive a life-changing diagnosis as a parent
• Parenting in a foreign country during a crisis
• How trauma shows up in parenting experiences
• The process of adapting to a new reality as a family
• Advocacy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children
• How identity shifts for both parent and child after diagnosis

About the Guest:

Jodi Michele Cutler is the author of Sofa Bed Island and Rally Cap, which has been adapted into a feature film. She is also an advocate for parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, drawing from her own lived experience raising a child with profound hearing loss.

Through her work, Jodi shares stories that highlight resilience, family, and the power of navigating life’s unexpected turns. To connect with Jodi, you can visit her website here.

Connect with me:

Want to learn more? Connect with me! You can find me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be