Aug. 20, 2025

From Profound Loss to Powerful Purpose: Dr. Jan Canty's Journey

From Profound Loss to Powerful Purpose: Dr. Jan Canty's Journey

Welcome to "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now," the podcast dedicated to exploring those pivotal moments when hesitation fades, and we take that first courageous step towards transformation. Hosted by Jen Ginty, a childhood abuse survivor living with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, this podcast delves into stories of resilience, clarity, and the sparks that ignite real change, helping listeners feel seen and understood in their own mental health journeys. Jen herself knows the struggle of pushing off healing, having spent years saying "not yet" to addressing her trauma out of fear, until a "right now" moment compelled her to begin her own profound healing journey. Her mission with this podcast is to share diverse stories, ensuring no one feels alone in their struggle.
In a deeply moving episode, Jen sits down with Dr. Jan Canty, a distinguished psychologist and homicide survivor, to discuss her extraordinary journey following the tragic murder of her husband. This conversation is a powerful testament to human resilience and the complex path of healing after unfathomable loss.
The Genesis of Trauma: A Life Altered Dr. Canty shares her origin story, recounting "The Vanishing" that irrevocably altered her life. Her experience highlights how trauma can profoundly impact one's identity, a theme often explored on the podcast as guests navigate significant life changes.
Navigating the Public Eye: Media Scrutiny and Perception The episode delves into the challenging role of media in shaping public perception of victims
. Dr. Canty reveals a crucial insight: the media operates as a business driven by public interest, often at the painful expense of victims' privacy. This candid discussion sheds light on the societal pressures and additional trauma survivors can face.
The Long Shadow and the Path to Healing Dr. Canty openly discusses the "Long Shadow of Trauma" and the enduring impact it has on survivors. Her healing process, however, offers profound lessons. She emphasizes that healing requires a holistic approach, addressing the biological, psychological, and social aspects—the biopsychosocial model.
Key aspects of Dr. Canty's healing journey include:
Healing Through Service and Perspective: Dr. Canty found significant perspective and healing by volunteering internationally. This act of service helped her reframe her own trauma and find meaning.
The Power of Community and Podcasting: A central theme of the episode, and the podcast as a whole, is the importance of connection. Dr. Canty highlights how the podcast community provides a unique support system for those who have experienced similar traumas. This resonates deeply with Jen's mission to create a space where people can share their voices and inspire one another.
Reclaiming Identity and Moving Forward: Guests on "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now" frequently discuss self-discovery and empowerment as essential for personal growth and reclaiming identity after trauma.
Understanding the Aftermath: "Closure is a Fallacy" Dr. Canty offers a vital, perhaps counter-intuitive, truth: closure is a fallacy.
She explains that the aftermath of homicide continues to affect victims long after the crime, underscoring that healing is not about forgetting or "moving on" in a linear fashion, but rather about integrating the experience into one's life. Her own podcast, "The Domino Effect of Murder Podcast," further explores this complex reality.
Legacy and Future Vision: Building a Community Looking ahead, Dr. Canty shares her powerful vision: creating a dedicated community for homicide survivors is essential for healing. Her future plans involve establishing a gathering for survivors, further emphasizing the critical need for connection and shared experience in the aftermath of violence.
This episode with Dr. Jan Canty is a profound exploration of resilience, the non-linear journey of healing, and the transformative power of human connection. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now," demonstrating that even in the face of immense pain, life is meant to be an adventure – you do not know where you're going with this, but someday you will.
Listen to this inspiring episode to hear Dr. Jan Canty's full story and gain powerful insights into healing, resilience, and finding your "right now" moment.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Dr. Jan Canty:
Join the "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now" community to hear more inspiring stories of transformation and growth. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Channel, iHeartRadio, and Podchaser