3 Reasons Your Grief Journey Is Stuck in Pain! With Sarah Vollmann – #630

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In this episode:

What if you were born to heal a family’s heartbreak? In this powerful episode, art therapist and grief expert Sarah Vollmann explores the emotional world of “replacement” children—those born after the loss of a sibling. With sensitivity and depth, Sarah shares how growing up in a grieving family shapes identity, expectations, and emotional development in ways that often go unspoken.

Host Julie Ryan opens up about her own family’s story following the loss of her sister Joan. Together, they discuss the silent impact of loss on siblings, especially preverbal children, and how families carry forward the memory of those who are gone.

We also dive into the healing power of art therapy, and how creative expression helps children and families process grief, stay connected to lost loved ones, and reclaim their stories. From rainbow babies to intuitive sibling bonds, this episode offers profound insights and hope for anyone navigating loss, identity, or the legacy of love that lingers after death.

Guest Biography:

Sarah Vollmann is a board-certified art therapist and licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief and traumatic loss. She serves as Associate Director of the Young Widowhood Project and teaches at the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Sarah maintains a private practice, leads counseling at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, and co-authored Born Into Loss: Shadows of a Deceased Sibling and Family Journeys of Grief. Currently pursuing her doctorate at Tulane University, she presents nationally and internationally on grief, art therapy, and bereavement.

📣Sarah Vollmann’s Website:

➡️https://www.complexloss.com/

➡️https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538172162/Born-Into-Loss-Shadows-of-a-Deceased-Sibling-and-Family-Journeys-of-Grief

Episode Chapters with Short Key Points:

(0:00:01) – Understanding Replacement Children

Being a “replacement” or “subsequent” child can profoundly affect one’s life, as discussed by Sarah Vollman in relation to grief and family dynamics.

(0:13:57) – Understanding the Impact of Family Loss

Loss can shape family dynamics and individual identity, with expectations placed on replacement children and lasting effects on pre-verbal children.

(0:23:59) – Replacement and Gift Children

Replacement and gift children may struggle with self-esteem and complex parental relationships, but may have intuitive connections with deceased siblings.

(0:27:52) – Unseen Bonds With Deceased Siblings

Individuals feel a connection with deceased siblings/children, perceive them as protective/angelic, and maintain bonds through personal rituals.

(0:32:49) – Family Dynamics After Child Loss

Grief and communication in families who have lost a child, including the impact on subsequent children and the role of extended family.

(0:38:43) – The Concept of Rainbow Babies

Rainbow babies, subsequent children, and reincarnation stories are discussed, along with the benefits of art therapy for healing.

(0:42:56) – Healing Through Art Therapy

Art therapy transcends age and issues, using art as a conduit for emotions and fostering healing.