In this solo reflective episode, I explore what happens when therapists grieve while continuing to hold space for the pain, trauma, and loss of others. As therapists, personal loss can still leave us feeling shattered, dysregulated, foggy, overwhelmed, and deeply human. This episode is especially for therapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and mental health practitioners who are carrying their own grief while supporting clients through theirs. Through a Buddhist and trauma-informed lens, I reflect on how chanting the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra — also known as the Dìzàng Sutra — rituals, community, supervision, parts work, and spiritual practice helped me slowly metabolise grief and transform pain into tenderness, compassion, and a renewed commitment to life. It is a therapist-to-therapist conversation about grief, loss, impermanence, continuing bonds with our loved ones and Buddhist practice. Why therapists are not immune to grief and lossThe pressure therapists may feel to “cope better”How personal grief can affect clinical work, concentration, emotional regulation, and capacityWhy grief is not unethical, but unawareness of its impact can become riskyThe importance of supervision, workload adjustment, therapy, healing work, and community supportHow grief can feel especially intense for highly sensitive and neurodivergent therapistsBuddhist teachings on impermanence, non-attachment, compassion, and deathThe role of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva / Dìzàng Bodhisattva in grief, filial piety, and dedication of meritHow chanting, ritual, rhythm, breath, and community can support nervous system regulationContinuing bonds with deceased parents and loved onesGrief as love meeting impermanenceTransforming grief into compassion, values, and bodhisattva vowsMay we remember that we are not outside the human condition. May love and compassion help us to remember the light in us. Connect with your host, Poh Gan I’m an educational & developmental psychologist and board-approved supervisor specialising in neurodiversity-affirming care and cultural identity. Outside of work, I am a buddhist practitioner with a deep love in meditation and learning to walk the Bodhisattva path. Instagram: the.blossoming.therapists Website: www.blossomingtrueself.com.au If this episode resonated: Leave a review on Apple PodcastsShare with a colleague or friend in the Asian diasporaTag us on Instagram with your reflectionsSubscribe for more conversations with therapists on application of Buddhist and contemplative wisdom in work and personal lives. Disclaimer: The content discussed in this podcast is for inspiration and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy or clinical supervision, and our time together does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. Please seek professional support if you are in need. Let us know what you took away from this conversation! Bodhi Inner Path Circle is a contemplative membership community for therapists who long for a regular, supportive, spiritually grounded place to practise meditation, learn Buddha‑Dharma in reflective practice, and connect with dharma friends. It is currently open for enrolment! You're warmly invited to join us to start your cultivation and practice today! Support the show Let us know what you took away from this conversation! Bodhi Inner Path Circle is a contemplative membership community for therapists who long for a regular, supportive, spiritually grounded place to practise meditation, learn Buddha‑Dharma in reflective practice, and connect with dharma friends. It is currently open for enrolment! You're warmly invited to join us to start your cultivation and practice today! Support the show