Episode 6: Pippa Dickson - After the Last Walk: What the death of my dog taught me about life, love and compassion
In this podcast episode of 'From Experience: the Grief Collection,' host Bianca Welsh interviews her friend Dr. Pippa Dickson about the loss of her beloved dog, Art. They discuss how pet grief is often minimized, the deep connections pets can have in our lives, and the challenging emotions they experienced. Pippa shares personal stories and insights on coping mechanisms, such as finding symbolism in Greek mythology and seeking community support online. The episode also touches upon broader themes of grief, identity, and cultural treatment of emotions, with reflections from Dr. Mai Frandsen, a psychologist specializing in health behavior change. This episode highlights the importance of validating all forms of grief and finding ways to navigate through the journey of loss.
About Pippa: Pippa moved to Hobart from Perth, WA in 1997 to study Furniture Design at the School of Art, UTAS where she completed an Honours degree and was awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award to undertake a PhD in ‘Furniture for Transit Areas’.
A coveted and collectable furniture designer in her own right, Pippa Dickson has become one of the country’s strongest advocates for Australian design, aiming to advance design and designers in her hometown Tasmania, and Australia. She was the Chair of Design Tasmania, and co-chair of the National Craft Initiative, Pippa is also the founding CEO of the award winning Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park (GASP!) – a community focused space that combines innovative architecture and art.
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In each episode Dr. Mai Frandsen joins Bianca to discuss the key takeaways from each person’s experience and help all of us understand from a therapists perspective how and why things work.
She's a psychologist, health behavior change, consultant and researcher based in Tasmania. She earned her PhD in psychology in 2012 and is internationally recognized for her work in promoting health behavior change using incentives. Dr. Fransden is the owner of Trig Psychology, a private practice located in Tasmania, where she focuses on health behavior change, working with first responders, adolescents, and adults, navigating significant life transitions.Her approach is characterized by authenticity and pragmaticism drawing from her varied life experiences.
She uses a range of psychological treatment paradigms to get the best outcome for her clients. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Fransden serves as a psychologist in schools and is an associate researcher at the University of Tasmania. Her research primarily focuses on smoking cessation, particularly among pregnant women, and has led Tasmania wide clinical trials exploring the efficacy of novel incentive based interventions.
Having stepped away from active research, Mai's passion project is science communication and can often be heard on ABC radio sharing mental health hacks. Originally from Denmark. She has called Tasmania Home since 1994. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys engaging in outdoor adventures, endurance sports, and traveling both locally and abroad with her sons.
RESOURCES
Beyond Blue or ph: 1300 224 636
Lifeline or ph: 13 11 14
Griefline or ph: 1300 845 745
Relationships Australia Tasmanian branch - Grief Counsellors or ph: 1300 364 277
The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Michael Schrei - Reissue: On Trauma and Vegetation Gods.
Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc.
Cover Image: Eden Wilday
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment of Bondi Shooting
01:17 Meet Your Host: Bianca Welsh
01:35 Purpose of the Podcast: Navigating Grief
02:54 Acknowledging the Traditional Owners
03:32 Guest Introduction: Pippa Dickson
04:14 Pippa's Grief Journey: Losing a Pet
07:06 The Emotional Weight of Pet Loss
08:42 The Decision to Euthanize and Its Aftermath
14:13 Coping Mechanisms and Shared Grief
19:23 The Symbolic Nature of Pets
28:58 Choosing a New Pet: Nyx
40:43 The Role of Social Media in Grieving
41:33 Symbolism and Personal Reflections on Loss
42:27 The Concept of the Rainbow Bridge
44:27 Creating Memories and Keepsakes
46:21 Books and Podcasts for Grief Support
48:45 Reflections on Pet Grief
54:25 The Importance of Ceremonies and Rituals
01:09:38 Navigating Complex Emotions and Guilt
01:14:19 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements