Episode 11. How to cope with guilt when you grieve, with Dr. Magdalena Goryczko, Counselling Psychologist.
In this eye-opening episode of "A Guide to Afterlife," Dr. Monika Wieliczko and Dr. Magdalena Goryczko dive deep into the complex world of guilt and grief, offering invaluable insights for young widows navigating the aftermath of loss.
Key Discussion Points:
1. The unexpected feelings that arise after losing a partner, including relief and anger
2. How societal expectations can clash with a young widow's actual grief experience
3. The challenge of acknowledging complicated emotions about the deceased spouse
4. Why guilt might be holding you back from fully living after loss
5. The importance of creating space for all emotions, even the ones that feel "wrong"
Intriguing Insights:
- Dr. Goryczko suggests that guilt might act as a "glue" keeping us connected to our late partner, preventing us from moving forward
- Both experts discuss how talking about death, surprisingly, can generate more aliveness and freedom in our thinking
- The episode explores how guilt might be protecting you from other difficult emotions you're not ready to face
Takeaway Points for Young Widows Coping with Guilt:
1. Recognise that guilt is a normal part of grief, even if it doesn't make logical sense
2. Allow yourself to acknowledge all your feelings about your late partner, including negative ones
3. Understand that living fully after loss is not a betrayal of your partner's memory
4. Challenge societal expectations about how you "should" grieve
5. Consider creating designated times or spaces to explore your grief and guilt, either in therapy or with trusted friends
This episode offers a fresh perspective on guilt in grief, specifically tailored for young widows. It invites listeners to explore their complex emotions without judgment and provides hope for finding a path forward that honours both their loss and their continuing life.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Magdalena Goryczko is a Counselling Psychologist and founder of Dorset Street Psychotherapy Practice, with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her passion for in-depth understanding of psychological states and psychoanalysis has led her to pursue training as a psychoanalyst at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London. Dr. Goryczko brings a wealth of knowledge and a nuanced understanding to the complex interplay of emotions in grief, offering young widows a compassionate and insightful perspective on their journey through loss.
Connect with Magda:
Helpful links and resources:
- Take part in the Free Grief MOT to find out if you are stuck in a state of shock or whether your grief is progressing and does not require professional help.
- Book a free 15-consultation with me to discuss the results of your Grief MOT
- Find out about Grief Group Therapy that I offer
- Unsure whether to see a psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor or grief coach for grief support? Read this blog post to find out more.
- Find out more about grief support
My BIO:
Dr Monika Wieliczko, Chartered Clinical Psychologist D.Clin.Psych, MSc, MA
Psychologist by profession, and a widow, in private.
Connect with me on social media:
Facebook, Instagram, Linked In
I have lost my life partner of 15 years to bowel cancer after a long and gruesome fight for his life. These experiences shaped and changed me forever affecting every aspect of my life personally and professionally. The three most challenging years of my life made me realise that our society has a profound problem with death and shaped my understanding of what life is really about.
I consciously bring both perspectives into my practice; incorporating 15 years’ worth of knowledge of how our minds work with a large dose of lived experience of grief and mourning.
I know the pain of loss but I also understand the burden of unaddressed grief.
The unresolved feelings surrounding your late partner can prolong your grief for years, stopping you from truly mourning your loss, affecting your entire life. By making a conscious effort to understand and work through your grief you give yourself permission to live your life again.
Apart from running a private practice, I am also a visiting lecturer at The Institute of Psychiatry in London delivering teaching for trainee clinical psychologists. My research interests involve the effects of profound trauma on grief response and the community-based approach to helping people with grief. I have worked within the NHS as well as private and charitable organisations in the UK since 2011. I have trained at various universities across the UK and Poland and I have completed my doctoral studies at the Canterbury Christ Church University.
