Enduring Grief
Sarah Peterson, LCSW |Fellow Griever| Founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit dedicated to shifting the culture of grieving| experienced in hospice care| Familiar with Grief and Loss
Recent Episodes
Join host Sarah Peterson, LCSW, for an honest, heartfelt Q&A as she wraps up Season 2 of Enduring Grief. In this episode, Sarah responds to listener questions about the unpredictable journey through loss—touching on what changes to expect from grief counseling, why people grieve differently, and the complex emotions like guilt around finding joy after loss. Expect thoughtful reflections on “the relationship you have with your grief,” practical support for honoring your unique process, and reassurance that there’s no one “right way” to grieve.
Whether you’re struggling with isolation, wondering if it’s okay to laugh again, or searching for coping strategies, this episode offers grounded guidance and encouragement. If you’re seeking grief support resources and real talk about healing after loss, tune in and see how Sarah helps create connection, hope, and understanding for anyone navigating bereavement.
Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.
Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.
Connect with Sarah:
✅ Instagram:
✅ Official Website:
Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning
Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.
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Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
In this thought-provoking episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to unravel the unique journeys of experiencing loss. Together, they explore the profound contrast between sudden loss—such as accidents or traumatic deaths—and natural, expected death. From the overwhelming physical shocks that grief creates to the distinct emotional landscapes of denial, guilt, and regret, the conversation offers listeners a compassionate look at the full range of grief reactions.
If you’ve ever felt lost after a traumatic event, struggled with “what ifs,” or wondered why even anticipated losses can leave you reeling, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for personal stories, practical wisdom, and gentle reminders about support, healing, and finding new guideposts after life-altering change.
Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.
Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.
Connect with Sarah:
✅ Instagram:
✅ Official Website:
Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles.
His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.
Marlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found similar gratification volunteering in hospice being with the dying. That’s where she met Sarah. Their deep friendship held space for Sarah as she grieves the tragic loss of her daughter Marley at age 2 from a drunk driver on a Sunday morning.
Marlis has been a spiritual seeker from an early age, learning from many traditions and teachers. She has become a mentor to many through teaching at hospice and the Sacred Art of Living Center. Although she teaches many diverse subjects, her intention is transformation of suffering. Her greatest love is her family, including husband Dean Sharpe, M.D., two daughters, Marissa and Anneliese, and grandsons Thielsen, Sawyer and Kepler. The saga of Anneliese’s health challenges since age one inspired her to become a better doctor, mother and companion to anyone facing illness or challenge.
Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning
Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.
Love What You Hear?
Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
On this episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson, joined by special guest Shanan Kelley, explores the real-life complexities of navigating loss in our fast-paced world. Listen as they address topics like the power of listening, the underestimated skill-building needed for grief, and why being “kinder to yourself” might be among the most important healing practices. The conversation weaves through moments of miscommunication, the challenge of changing your mind in relationships, and how the natural world can offer solace—even if it’s just a bouquet of flowers.
If you’re interested in authentic grief stories, mental health strategies, individual therapy experiences, and real advice on supporting yourself or a loved one through hard times, this episode is for you. Join us for honest insights and practical guidance that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths but always point toward hope.
Shanan Kelley is a writer, storyteller, and creativity coach known for her ability to infuse humor and heart into meaningful conversations. As a seasoned speaker and workshop leader, Shanan is dedicated to helping people embrace their authentic selves through self-expression and resilience. Her work invites audiences to explore the deep and often messy experiences of being human—grief, joy, disappointment, and everything in between—with honesty and compassion.
When she’s not sharing her wisdom on podcasts or stages, Shanan creates and facilitates workshops that help individuals connect to their creative voices and embrace self-compassion as a daily practice.
Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.
Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.
Connect with Sarah:
✅ Instagram:
✅ Official Website:
Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning
Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.
Love What You Hear?
Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Elizabeth Johnson, Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, for a moving conversation about the realities of living after significant loss. Together, they unpack the raw experience of child loss, exploring the shock, isolation, and “life-cracking eruption of hell” that accompanies sudden, unexpected tragedy. Listeners are given a glimpse into Elizabeth’s personal story and learn how the pain of her son’s death ultimately shaped her path—personally and professionally.
If you’re interested in practical support, the need for community, the difference between anticipatory and sudden grief, and how humor and small moments matter in the healing process, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss. Join us as we acknowledge disenfranchised grief and the importance of honest, informed support for anyone navigating loss.
About Our Guest:
Elizabeth Johnson is the Executive Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, where she supports individuals and families facing the end of life. With deep compassion and a rich sense of humor, she brings a unique perspective to conversations about loss, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Links & Resources:
Learn more about the Peaceful Presence Project
Connect with us on social media:
Instagram - @peacefulpresencedoulas
LinkedIn- The Peaceful Presence Project
Join the conversation using #LetItGoOrWatchItGrow
Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.
Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.
Connect with Sarah:
✅ Instagram:
✅ Official Website:
Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning
Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.
Love What You Hear?
Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.