Lotte Bowser on the Challenges of Loving Again After Loss

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia Samuel welcomes Lotte Bowser, a TV and film professional turned yoga instructor, podcast host, and author. Lottie shares her deeply personal journey of coping with the untimely loss of her partner Ben due to cancer and COVID-19 complications, and her ongoing process of finding love and healing. The discussion covers the complexities of integrating past grief with present relationships, the societal pressures surrounding moving on, and the universal nature of grief. Lotte emphasises the significance of community support, the therapeutic role of writing, and the balance between holding memories and embracing new beginnings. This conversation explores how life, love, and personal growth can continue amidst loss.

00:00 Introduction to Lotte Bowser
00:35 Facing the Greatest Challenge: Loss of a Partner
01:24 The Impact of COVID-19
02:58 Coping with Grief and Moving Forward
06:22 Rediscovering Life and Love
11:16 Navigating New Relationships
21:44 Seeking Support and Connection
23:10 Finding Strength in Community
24:05 The Role of Therapy and Coaching
24:32 Choosing Life Amidst Grief
24:59 Radical Compassion and Self-Permission
25:30 The Unfixable Nature of Death
26:09 Empowerment Through Self-Reliance
27:02 Balancing Grief and Joy
27:40 Sex and Grief: Breaking Taboos
31:12 The Healing Power of Writing
33:42 Physical Expressions of Grief
34:46 The Universal Experience of Grief
36:41 The Duality of Bittersweet
37:56 Living Fully After Loss
46:47 The Creative Nature of Relationships
50:21 Choosing Life After Suicide Loss
52:36 Final Thoughts