Psychologist Launches Healing Journey for Suicide Survivors

Dr. Erie Crawford's personal tragedy inspires new program to help others cope with loss.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:17pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a human heart glowing against a dark background, symbolizing the profound impact of suicide on the survivors left behind.An intimate look at the complex emotional and psychological toll of suicide loss, rendered through the lens of medical imaging.Chicago Today

After losing her Chicago police officer husband to suicide, social worker and business psychologist Dr. Erie Crawford has launched the S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey, a new program to help other suicide survivors on their path towards healing and recovery.

Why it matters

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and survivors of suicide loss often struggle with complex grief, trauma, and stigma. Dr. Crawford's program aims to provide a supportive community and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help those impacted by suicide find meaning and purpose after unimaginable loss.

The details

The S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey is a 12-week program that combines group therapy, individual counseling, mindfulness practices, and creative expression. The program was inspired by Dr. Crawford's own experience writing the book "The Other Side of Midnight" about her journey after her husband's death.

  • Dr. Crawford launched the S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey on March 31, 2026.

The players

Dr. Erie Crawford

A social worker and business psychologist who launched the S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey program after losing her Chicago police officer husband to suicide.

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What they’re saying

“Writing The Other Side of Midnight inspired the S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey,”

— Dr. Erie Crawford, Psychologist and Author

The takeaway

Dr. Crawford's personal experience with suicide loss has driven her to create a compassionate, holistic program to support others on their own healing journeys, providing a much-needed resource for a vulnerable population.