Audio Player

Emily Thiroux ThreattWhy ‘I’m Sorry for Your Loss’ Might Hurt More Than It Helps—A Grieving Mother Speaks Out

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

00:00

0:00 / 30:58

1. Why ‘I’m Sorry for Your Loss’ Might Hurt More Than It Helps—A Grieving Mother Speaks Out Emily Thiroux Threatt 30:58

Why even well-meaning words can deepen someone’s pain—and what to say instead when silence feels safer than saying the wrong thing.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, Trauma, and Grief. Based on the North Shore of Chicago, she brings a deeply personal lens to her work shaped by the loss of her 21-year-old son, Christopher. Her debut memoir, Reaching for Beautiful, chronicles that journey—a story of healing, resilience, and the enduring bond between mother and child. A former English and dance major, Sally now channels her lifelong love of writing into storytelling that offers comfort and connection to others navigating profound loss.

Throughout this episode, Sally reflects on the emotional landscape that shaped Reaching for Beautiful, sharing how private journaling gradually evolved into a powerful memoir. She speaks candidly about her grief, the different ways she and her husband supported each other, and the spiritual signs that continue to remind her of her son’s presence. With compassion and Clarity, Sally offers insights into how even small gestures of acknowledgment can make a profound difference for someone in mourning. Her perspective invites us to approach grief not with fear, but with openness, gentleness, and the understanding that love never truly disappears.

Tune in to episode 324 s Sally McQuillen shares how writing through heartbreak, embracing spiritual connection, and honoring her son’s memory helped transform unimaginable loss into a journey of healing and love.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Sally’s journey through grief (1:02)

Writing through grief: From pain to memoir (2:15)

Letters to the departed and spiritual dialogues (6:14)

Grieving as a couple—side by side, not the same (7:51)

When grief becomes isolating (12:25)

What to say (and not say) to the grieving (14:20)

Finding joy in memories and shared stories (17:00)

Recognizing signs from loved ones and choosing to heal (23:20)

Rising above grief (28:43)

Connect with Sally McQuillen:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Get Sally’s book!

Let’s Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most Recent Episodes

April 1, 2025

Why ‘I’m Sorry for Your Loss’ Might Hurt More Than It Helps—A Grieving Mother Speaks Out

Why even well-meaning words can deepen someone's pain—and what to say instead when silence feels safer than saying the wrong thing.In today's episode, I'm joined by Sally McQuillen, a...

Listen · 30:58

March 28, 2025

Do You Remember?

Write positive memories and dreams into your journal so you can always refer to them whenever you would like.Let's Connect:You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays...

Listen · 4:13

March 25, 2025

Could Writing a Letter to a Lost Loved One Heal Your Deepest Pain? Ann Mracek’s Life-Changing Story

What if the key to finally freeing yourself from decades-old pain is hidden in memories you've long buried—and unpacking just one forgotten moment could change the course of your life forever?In...

Listen · 25:57

Load More Episodes

Emily Thiroux Threatt Podcast Host, Facilitator, Author

Having gone through the experience of the deaths of so many loved ones, I have learned to face life with love, optimism, and joy.

I have kept journals and written to express myself most of my life which led me to a career of teaching writing and writing books. I naturally turned to writing to help deal with my grief, then I discovered I could use writing to help friends deal with grief, too.

In contemplating how I could best help the grieving people I was working with, my Ignite moment came when realized the importance of helping people understand the importance of happiness and how they could grieve and be happy at the same time.

To share my message, I host the Grief and Happiness podcast, I wrote the book Loving and Living Your Way Though Grief, I facilitate weekly meetings of the Grief and Happiness Alliance, I founded the Grief and Happiness nonprofit foundation, I publish a weekly newsletter and blog, and my new book, The Grief and Happiness Handbook is coming out soon.