In Part 2 of our forgiveness series (continuing from Episode 13), host Sarah Peterson, LCSW, is joined again by Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to explore what happens after forgiveness is offered—or withheld. Together, they explore the emotional aftermath of strained relationships, grief, and the complexity of healing. From the “grief ring theory” to the role of boundaries and the challenge of forgiving without an apology, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical wisdom. Whether you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or wrestling with self-forgiveness, this conversation invites you to reflect on what it means to move forward when forgiveness feels incomplete.

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles.

His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.

Marlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found...

This episode is Part 1 of a special two-part series exploring the messy, powerful, and deeply human experience of forgiveness. Host Sarah Peterson is joined by returning guests Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe for an honest conversation about what forgiveness really means—beyond clichés and simple answers. Together, they explore the emotional and psychological layers of forgiving others, forgiving yourself, and even questioning if forgiveness is always necessary for healing after loss. From personal reflections to practical metaphors and insights, this episode offers a compassionate look at how forgiveness can shape grief, growth, and inner peace—while also honoring that the path forward is different for everyone.

Whether you’re a caregiver, supporting someone through bereavement, or looking for new grief resources, this conversation offers hope, practical coping strategies, and permission to forge your own path forward.

Instagram:

• @clearmourning

Official Website:

• clearmourning.org

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles.

His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening,...

On this episode, Sarah Peterson sits down with Brennan Wood to talk about her childhood loss and how it inspired her life’s work with the Dougy Center. If you’re curious about how children process grief differently than adults and why it’s vital to have specialized grief resources, this is the episode for you. Discover why peer support makes a lasting difference, how our culture sometimes gets grief “wrong,” and what families truly need after a loss. The conversation also addresses misconceptions—like grief as a disorder—and spotlights the #UnderstandGrief movement to build wider community awareness. Thoughtful, honest, and full of hopeful moments, this episode offers resources and encouragement for anyone walking the path of bereavement or wanting to better support grieving children and families.

Brennan Wood is the Executive Director of the Dougy Center, a nationally recognized leader in childhood bereavement. After experiencing the death of her own mother at age twelve, Brennan has dedicated her career to supporting grieving children and families. She is the author of A Kids Book About Grief and a recent TEDxPortland speaker, sharing her personal story and insights to help create a more compassionate world for grieving kids.

Connect with Brennan Wood:

• Instagram - @thedougycenter
• Website: dougy.org

Relevant Content for Their Work:

• Grief support programming and innovations under Brennan’s leadership
• Community events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns
• Educational resources on understanding and supporting grief, especially for children and families.

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

Love What You Hear?

Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.

Grief isn’t only about death—and this episode shines a light on all the other losses we rarely talk about. Join therapist Sarah Peterson and physicians Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe as they unpack the grief tied to transitions—ending relationships, the loss of health or identity, kids leaving home, or simply life not turning out as planned. Through real stories and reflections, they discuss concepts like vulnerability, impermanence, and the “death of dreams,” inviting you to rethink what is considered a “legitimate” loss. If you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or searching for a way to cope with letting go, this conversation offers comfort and deep insight. Tune in for encouragement, practical guidance, and a reminder that acknowledging grief in all its forms is both necessary and healing.

Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles.

His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.

Marlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found similar gratification volunteering in hospice being with the dying. That’s where she met Sarah. Their deep friendship held space for Sarah as she grieves the tragic loss of her daughter Marley at age 2 from a drunk driver on a Sunday morning.

Marlis has been a spiritual seeker from an early age, learning from many traditions and teachers. She has become a mentor to many through teaching at hospice and the Sacred Art of Living Center. Although she teaches many diverse subjects, her intention is transformation of suffering. Her greatest love is her family, including husband Dean Sharpe, M.D., two daughters, Marissa and Anneliese, and grandsons Thielsen, Sawyer and Kepler. The saga of Anneliese’s health challenges since age one inspired her to

Join Sarah Peterson and her son Sylus on Enduring Grief as they explore the intricate impact of grief on family dynamics and the healing power of shared experiences. Sylus, a remarkable young man who has attended and now works with Camp Courage, shares how communal activities help grieving children realize they are not alone. Together, they discuss the unexpected ways grief strengthens some relationships while loosening others. Sarah and Sylus offer heartfelt insights and practical advice, particularly addressing the common guilt parents feel about changes in routines post-loss. Tune in to learn how normalizing emotions, keeping kids engaged, and fostering new rituals can create a supportive environment for healing. Don't miss this intimate and powerful conversation, a valuable opportunity for anyone seeking to understand the raw, transformative journey of living after loss.

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

Love What You Hear?

Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.

Join host Sarah Peterson and her close friend Nora Smith as they explore the nuances of supporting someone through grief in this emotionally charged episode of "Enduring Grief." Discover why Nora insists on recognizing the rawness of grief without trying to soften it. Learn practical tips for pausing before offering words of comfort and hear about a unique colored hearts system that transformed their communication during the toughest moments. This episode provides heartfelt insights into maintaining relationships and supporting grievers with compassion and understanding, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the convoluted paths of life after loss. Perfect for those seeking practical grief support advice and genuine stories of friendship amidst tragedy.

Nora Smith

Nora is a lifelong friend of Sarah and a devoted supporter of the Clear Mourning mission. As a yoga teacher and Clear Mourning staff member, she combines her expertise in mindfulness with her compassionate approach to helping others. Nora plays an integral role in supporting grievers, fostering connection, and contributing to innovative healing practices. Her commitment to creating safe spaces for growth and reflection makes her a cornerstone of the Clear Mourning team.

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

Love What You Hear?

Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.

In Episode 8 of Enduring Grief, hosts Sarah Peterson, Dr. Marlis Beier, and Dr. Dean Sharpe tackle the concept of "competitive grief" and the hierarchy of loss. How does one measure their grief against another? Should they even try? With poignant personal anecdotes, the hosts explore the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding that grief is a deeply personal journey. From the challenges of maintaining perspective to the pitfalls of comparison, this episode offers insights into navigating grief authentically and without judgment. Listen as the hosts emphasize the concept that "Grief is Love," and share their pathways toward acceptance and support. If you've ever struggled to balance your grief with that of others, this episode offers a roadmap to compassionate mourning.

Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles.

His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.

Marlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found similar gratification volunteering in hospice being with the dying. That’s where she met Sarah. Their deep friendship held space for Sarah as she grieves the tragic loss of her daughter Marley at age 2 from a drunk driver on a Sunday morning.

Marlis has been a spiritual seeker from an early age, learning from many traditions and teachers. She has become a mentor to many through teaching at hospice and the Sacred Art of Living Center. Although she teaches many diverse subjects, her intention is transformation of suffering. Her greatest love is her family, including husband Dean Sharpe, M.D., two daughters, Marissa and Anneliese, and grandsons Thielsen, Sawyer and Kepler. The saga of Anneliese’s health challenges since age one inspired her to become a...

On this episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson welcomes the insightful and humor-filled Shanan Kelley. Shanan recounts her profound journey caring for her friend Casey, and then losing her right as the world shut down. Discover how the unexpected global pause led to a personal sabbatical filled with self-care activities like coloring and baking. The conversation offers a unique perspective on embracing grief rather than resisting it, highlighting the significant energy spent in avoidance. Also, discover how humor—essential to Shanan's identity—served as an emotional lifeline, reconnecting her with joy during tough times. For anyone struggling with loss, this episode provides valuable thoughts on managing grief with compassion, laughter, and the essential support of a caring community.

Shanan Kelley is a writer, entertainer and comedian and the creator and host of The Night Light Show, Bend’s beloved (and longest running!) variety style comedy show and She Stands Up, an all-women’s comedy show and fundraiser. She is well known for her unique brand of heart-centered comedy and her ability to create a warm, welcoming environment everywhere she goes. Shanan was voted “Bend’s Favorite Variety Show Host” by Source Weekly readers and acknowledged as one of “Five Funny Women” by Cascades Journal. As a sought-after emcee, auctioneer and moderator, Shanan has helped redistribute millions of dollars for mission-driven organizations along the west coast. She is the Development Director for the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, raising funds for Central Oregon artists and is currently at work on her first feature-length screenplay. Shanan lives in Oregon with her two long-eared, short-legged dogs. Learn more about Shanan on her website shanankelley.com

Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

Love What You Hear?

Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.