Navigating Grief and Finding Identity After Loss with Stacey Johnson

In this 1st part of the two part podcast, Dr.Steve Hudgins sits down with special guest Stacey Johnson, a seasoned clinical therapist with over 25 years of experience. Stacey opens up about her personal journey through profound loss, navigating the sudden passing of both her stepfather and husband within weeks of each other.

Drawing from her own struggles and professional expertise, Stacey shares how she found the strength to care for herself, rediscover her identity, and support other women grappling with different forms of loss.

Together, Dr. Steve and Stacey explore the challenges of balancing personal grief with the responsibilities of being a parent and a mental health professional, the importance of self-care, and practical advice for anyone facing life’s unexpected turns.

Whether you’re walking through your own season of loss or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and tools for emotional wellness.

Key Moments:

01:22 "Launching 'Anchor Resilience' for Women"

05:29 Career Shift: From Teaching to Counseling

08:34 Covid Tragedy: Hospital Farewells

10:28 Importance of Life Insurance

15:16 Balancing Emotional Resilience

16:35 "Balancing Emotion: Process vs. Avoidance"

About the guest :

Stacey Johnson’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. After experiencing trauma that left her nervous system dysregulated, Stacey responded by pushing herself to keep moving forward, unsure if this urge was her natural instinct or the result of her training. In the process, she neglected her own self-care until months later when she finally paused and recognized the need to tend to her own well-being. Drawing upon her skills and self-awareness, Stacey learned to process her feelings, rediscover her identity, and practice self-love. Her journey highlights the importance of self-care and the power of personal growth after adversity.

How to connect Stacey Johnson:

Website : https://staceyjohnsoncoaching.com/

Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyjohnsoncoaching/

About Coached Soul™:

Coached Soul™ is an empowering podcast hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, Dr. Steve covers many topics, including mental health, relationships, education, and more. He fearlessly tackles sensitive subjects like depression and anxiety, creating a safe space for open conversations. They offer valuable insights and lessons through interviews with guests who have overcome significant challenges. Coached Soul is not just a podcast but a supportive community that inspires personal growth and provides the necessary resources for transformation. Their expertise and genuine approach make Coached Soul a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their life.

For more details, visit https://coachedsoul.com/