When Grief Finds You: A Conversation Between Survivors with Dr. Katie Wiggins, Ed.D, LMHC

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Take off the Mask with CasieCasem

CasieCasem

10 episodes

1 week ago

*Welcome to* “Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM),” *the podcast where we strip away the filters and dig deep into the heart of mental health. I’m your host, Casie Casem, and here, nothing is off-limits. We talk about the things that matter—raw, real stories from people who’ve been there, insights from experts who know the field, and conversations that challenge how we think about mental well-being.* This isn't just another mental health podcast. It's a community. A place where you're seen, heard, and understood, no matter what you’re going through. Whether you’re here to find support, gain understanding, or simply listen to meaningful discussions —whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place. our goal is to create a space where you feel heard and valued. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. *Together, we're breaking down walls and opening up honest conversations that need to be had. *Together we can Change the Face of Depression Join us as we take off the mask and face mental health together. *Before we dive in, a quick note: today's episode may cover sensitive topics related to mental health. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, please reach out to a professional or someone you trust. We’re all in this together, and there’s always help and hope.* *Ready to take off the mask? Let’s get started. Check out our website at www.CTFOD.com or www.changethefaceofdepression.com

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When Grief Finds You: A Conversation Between Survivors with Dr. Katie Wiggins, Ed.D, LMHC | Uprooted: Where Healing is Planted LLC

Take off the Mask with CasieCasem

1 hour 47 minutes

6 months ago

When Grief Finds You: A Conversation Between Survivors with Dr. Katie Wiggins, Ed.D, LMHC | Uprooted: Where Healing is Planted LLC

What happens when grief isn’t something you remember—but something you’ve carried your whole life?

In this deeply personal episode of Take Off the Mask, host CasieCasem sits down with Dr. Katie Wiggins, Ed.D, LMHC, founder of Uprooted: Where Healing is Planted LLC, licensed mental health counselor, and grief educator. Casie and Katie are not just professionals in the world of healing—they're survivors. Both lost a parent to homicide. Both are members of Project Cold Case. And years ago, Katie was the first grief counselor Casie ever worked with.

Together, they explore what it means when grief finds you—and refuses to leave.

This conversation dives into:

How grief shows up in hidden ways
The grief of not knowing a lost parent
Body-based trauma and nervous system regulation
The myth of closure and the truth about healing
The loneliness of violent loss
Turning pain into purpose through advocacy and storytelling
Creative expression as a grief response
What to say—and what not to say—to someone who’s grieving

Whether you're holding a fresh wound or a lifelong ache, this episode offers space, solidarity, and soul-level reflection. It’s not about “getting over it”—it’s about honoring the life that continues, even in the shadow of loss.

💬 Connect with Dr. Katie Wiggins:

🌿 Website: https://uprootedhealing.com
🧠 Client Portal: https://katie-wiggins.clientsecure.me
📞 Phone: 904-993-2486

🕊️ Resources Mentioned:

Project Cold Case – Advocacy and support for families of unsolved homicide victims
CTFOD.com – Casie’s nonprofit supporting mental health and grief healing

✏️ Aftercare Prompt:

If this episode stirred something in you, take a moment to reflect:
What part of me is still grieving what I never got to say?
What part of me is still worthy of love, even in sadness?

Grief is not a problem to solve.
It’s proof that love once lived.
You are not alone. You are human. And you are held.

To learn more about Casie's mother, Melissa “Missy” Taylor Ellison, visit her Project Cold Case spotlight at projectcoldcase.org/2019/06/10/melissa-ellison.
To read about Dr. Katie Wiggins’ father, Stephen Wiggins, visit projectcoldcase.org/2015/04/25/cold-case-spotlight-stephen-wiggins.