1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Every family will face the intersection of illness, aging, and grief — but almost no one prepares for the emotional weight that comes with it. In this episode of Spotlight, Athena Quinones sits down with Annie Brashem, LCSW, a board-certified palliative care social worker and private practice therapist who has spent over a decade walking alongside patients and families through some of life's most difficult seasons. &amp;nbsp; WHAT WE COVER: → Palliative care demystified: what it means to be board-certified and how it differs from regular therapy → Ambiguous loss: the specific grief experienced by dementia caregivers when a loved one is physically present but emotionally absent → Real vs. faux self-care: why bubble baths aren't enough and what caregivers actually need → The Sandwich Generation: navigating the emotional strain of simultaneously caring for children and aging parents → Old family dynamics and unresolved wounds that resurface as parents age → Dignity therapy: a structured approach to capturing a senior's legacy through recorded conversations → Therapy stigma in older adults and practical ways to address cost and access (including Medicare coverage) → How trauma-informed care transforms how professionals support seniors and their families &amp;nbsp; Whether you're a caregiver carrying more than you should, a senior facing a new diagnosis, or a professional who works with aging adults — this episode is your reminder that the emotional journey of aging is just as critical as the physical one. &amp;nbsp; ABOUT ANNIE BRASHEM, LCSW Annie Brashem is a licensed clinical social worker with national board certification in palliative care. She has worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. She now provides psychotherapy exclusively to individuals and families impacted by illness, medical trauma, and grief. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-brashem-lcsw-aphsw-c-2338b392/ ABOUT SPOTLIGHT Spotlight is a podcast for families, seniors, and professionals navigating the aging journey. Hosted by Athena Quinones — Business Development Director and Senior Ambassador — each episode brings expert voices, real stories, and practical strategies to light the path Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives https://sites.libsyn.com/578740 <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/41163895/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/41163895