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On this episode, we explore grief as a human process, not a problem -- blending science, story, and practice with Jenna Ellinger’s hard-won wisdom. The conversation moves from survival to meaning, from pinholes of hope to the choice to live with love and loyalty.

Show Guest:

Jena earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. There, she met and married her college sweetheart. The two made their home in Austin, Texas, where they raised their three children: Sam, Jake and Morgen. When her children were 14, 12, and 9 her husband tragically died competing in a triathlon in San Francisco.

Together, she and her children formed a team of four, relying on their faith, their community, and one another to rediscover joy after loss. That season taught Jena an essential truth: grief and loss are powerful forces, and pain needs a witness and lots of support.

That belief was tested again in 2021, when her middle child Jake, a gifted student and University of Texas Football Player, died from fentanyl poisoning after taking a counterfeit Xanax pill. The loss was devastating and shattering for all. But once again, Jena and her children chose to fight - not just to survive, but to keep searching for even the smallest signs of light: “pinholes of hope and joy.”

Hope and joy have continued to show up in unexpected and beautiful ways. Jena is now happily remarried, her oldest son, Sam, pursued his dreams and went to the NFL and is a Quarterback for The Denver Broncos, and is also happily married, and her youngest child, Morgen, just graduated from the University of Texas, like her brothers, and is working in Dallas in commercial real estate. Inspired by her journey, Jena returned to graduate school to be a Therapist, earning her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has a private practice and uses the experiences God has bestowed on her, both extraordinary highs and lows, to help others find healing. Jena is a speaker on grief, resilience, and finding hope in dark places. She is also an advocate for the fight against fentanyl. She spoke on Capitol Hill and worked to pass a Texas law that enables law enforcement to prosecute those poisoning others with fentanyl to face a murder charge.

You can connect with Jena at: Jena Ehlinger Counseling or on Instagram

Support the show

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time.

Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward.

Show hosted by:

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A

Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com

and

To become a client visit- catiaholm.com