Breaking the Silence: Dr. Justin Yopp on Men's Grief Support

“It's really hard to know what's normal, what's out of bounds, what's weird…that can turn into self critical thinking of, ‘I should be doing better,’ ‘I should be doing this,’ ‘I should be doing that.’ It's easy to fall into this trap of thinking that we're grieving wrong. And when you have a sounding board of six other guys who give it to you straight, it's clarifying.”

In this episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos welcomes Dr. Justin Yopp, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, to explore the unique challenges faced by widowed parents. Dr. Yopp, known for his work with the UNC Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, shares his journey from working with children and adolescents to supporting parents who have lost a spouse or partner.

Rebecca and Dr. Yopp delve into the origins of his groundbreaking support group for widowed fathers, a project born from the realization that such resources were virtually nonexistent. Dr. Yopp recounts the emotional journey of starting this group, the powerful connections formed among its members, and the unexpected lessons learned from the men who participated. Through candid discussions, they explore the complexities of grief for men, the societal barriers they face, and the importance of creating spaces where they can openly share their experiences.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of grief support in the healthcare system and the potential for change. Dr. Yopp shares insights from his research and the impact of these support groups on his clinical practice, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative power of community and understanding in the grieving process.

 Join Rebecca and Dr. Yopp as they challenge misconceptions about grief, particularly for men, and advocate for more inclusive and effective support systems. Their conversation is a testament to the importance of finding connection amidst loss.

 Connect with Dr. Justin Yopp:

• Website: widowedpartent.org
• Book: “The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life,” buy on Amazon

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Follow for more resources:

• Instagram: @grieveleave
• Website: grieveleave.com

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