Dr. Jessica Thomas

16/09/2025

Here’s a snippet from my conversation with my dear colleague, Ji Hyang Padma, where we explore themes of communal grief and collective healing. Together, we reflect on how acknowledging grief in a shared context can transform personal struggles into opportunities for growth and connection. Ji Hyang illuminates the power of being present with grief—revealing how it can open pathways for change, resilience, and healing.

🎙️ New episode coming soon—join us as we navigate the complexities of grief, offering wisdom and hope for anyone seeking to embrace this shared human experience.

11/09/2025

There is so much grief in the world, and at times it can feel impossible to take in—let alone find the words to share with our children when we need to. While I don’t have all the answers, I do know that simply acknowledging our feelings is a powerful first step. When we pause and give space to what is present—stress, fear, sadness, anger, disappointment, or overwhelm—we lighten the load we carry. We don’t have to hold it all in. When we allow ourselves to be real, even in small ways, we create more connection with our children and with ourselves, rather than the exhaustion and isolation that comes from masking our pain. Just like adults, kids can also feel overwhelmed by all of the upsetting events in the news and often hear more about them than parents realize. Here's an excellent book specifically for kids on this topic: "Something Bad Happened: A Kid's Guide to Coping With Events in the News" for ages 6 to 12 at https://www.amightygirl.com/something-bad-happened
For parents and educators, there's an invaluable guide filled with conversation scripts and tips on helping kids feel calm in an anxious world, "When the World Feels Like a Scary Place" at https://www.amightygirl.com/world-scary-place
For a simple yet powerful picture book that reassures kids that the world is filled with helpful and friendly people -- and serves as a counterpoint to scary news stories -- check out "Most People" for ages 4 to 7 at https://bookshop.org/a/8011/9780884485544 (Bookshop) and https://amzn.to/3wKwNzL (Amazon)
For more books to help kids of all ages manage their worries, visit our blog post "25 Books to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety, Worry, and Fear" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=22612

The top books on helping kids overcome anxiety and worry for children, teens, and parents.

11/09/2025

Come join me this October for a one-of-a-kind training experience! This gathering is open to anyone curious about exploring their inner world and discovering new ways of creating meaning. There’s a special kind of magic that unfolds in this group space—one that lingers and continues to nourish for months after our time together. See the link in the comments.

[Posts are for educational and reflective purposes only and are not a substitute for therapy]

Mindful Photography Program OverviewBased on Dr. Thomas’s research, book and extensive experience, you will receive direct training in Within & Without™ ther...

30/08/2025

Today is Grief Awareness Day—a reminder that grief is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. It extends far beyond loss through death, encompassing experiences like job loss, displacement, health challenges, and other major life transitions.
For me, swimming has always been a way to ground myself, reconnect with my inner strength, and stay present. So, it felt especially meaningful that the Columbia Gorge cross-channel swim coincided with National Grief Awareness Day.
I’m proud to say I completed the swim—cheered on enthusiastically by my biggest supporter!

26/08/2025

22/08/2025

As we step into September, I’m excited to share a full lineup of offerings, reflections, and opportunities to connect. Check out my newsletter!

Understanding grief and death as an integral part of the human experience.

19/08/2025

Join me for my October Within & Without™ therapeutic mindful photography training for those working with grievers and for those that want to learn!

Review my program page for details and reach out with any additional questions. Discounts available for students, NEDA members and those in need of assistance.
Where: Virtual
When: Oct 3rd 9am-11am PT
Oct 10th 9am-11am PT
Oct 17th 9am-11am PT
Oct 24th 9am-11am PT
*November 2025 Advanced Group Training dates soon!
https://drjessicathomas.com/therapeutic-mindful-photography-training/

12/08/2025

I was honored to interview Dr. Sonya Richmond and Megan Williams from Compassion & Choices for this podcast. Their passion and dedication to their work were palpable, and I left our conversation feeling more inspired than ever!

We delve into topics like the personal definition of a good death, cultural considerations, and the need for options and autonomy in end-of-life care. Both emphasize the importance of curiosity, compassion, and humility in their work. The conversation aims to inspire more open discussions about end-of-life care and its various aspects. Check out the link in my comments.


https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/dr-jessica-thomas/episodes/The-Last-Chapter--Consciously-with-Dr--Sonja-Richmond-and-Meagan-Williams-e36g31h?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1320209711080047349&utm_source=web&utm_campaign=web-share&utm_medium=sharing&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq0wuSk0syS8q1i1PTdJLLCjQy8nMy9ZP1XdMNfTMDzIIdQxLsq8rSk1LLSrKzEuPTyrKLy9OLbJ1zijKz00FAECSUHxMAAAA

28/07/2025

Happy Summer!

I’ve been doing my best to savor the moments this season—with myself, family, and friends. As July winds down, I find myself holding a mix of emotions: joy and excitement, nostalgia and anticipation. Summer’s hustle, the warmth of the sun, and mornings at the pool are beginning to fade... and yet, I’m already feeling the quiet pull of September—my favorite month.

There’s something about September’s gentle rhythm: the calm after the summer rush, golden light still lingering, gardens overflowing, and the return of a familiar schedule. My daughter will be starting Kindergarten—again, that beautiful mix of feelings.

With all this in motion, I’m excited to share a preview of what’s ahead! My 2025/2026 offerings, upcoming podcasts, and more are on the horizon. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter to stay updated on all that’s unfolding.Wishing you presence and ease in the season’s final stretch. 🌿

20/06/2025

End-of-Life Care Info and Resources for Helping Professionals
Thursday, July 24th
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., PST
Online | 2 CEUs

Join me for a virtual workshop with Sonja Richmond, MD and Meagan Williams, MS, Ed! This session will offer insight and Q&A opportunities around end-of-life care to better support helping professionals—and the people they serve—as they navigate these experiences.

https://graduate.lclark.edu/calendars/events/event/368055-end-of-life-care-information-and-resources-for-helpin

24/05/2025

I have a few open spots for the upcoming Within & Without ™ therapeutic mindful photography training. This training is open to those interested in learning the method and who want a personalized and unique training experience! Check out the training page and apply!

For professionals in the grief and death industry who are seeking to integrate a Within & Without™ therapeutic mindful photography program into their work.

13/05/2025

Catch up on my newsletter—featuring upcoming events and personal insights.

In the midst of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quiet presence of the natural world—and the inner stillness it can awaken in us. Yet even a few moments spent outdoors, simply observing the play of light through trees or the delicate movement of a breeze, can offer a powerful sens...