Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Carrie – Thanatology

Carrie explains how thanatolgy is the study of death dying grief and loss.

Madelyn -Healing and support group for Asian Canadian women

Madelyn discusses the value in having your voice heard

Keith – “My story”

Keith tells his story and why he became a counsellor.

Preparing For and Coping with Special Days

Special Days can be days we have honoured with our loved ones that many others celebrate or more personal dates and milestones with your loved one. As these days approach, it can be difficult to figure out how to move through a Special Day. Do you do what you’ve always done? What do you do…

Rev. Sky – “Feeling stuck”

Rev. Sky describes being stuck and shifting.

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

What Does Grief Support Look Like?

When we experience significant, on-going symptoms of grief that interfere with our adjustment to the reality of our loss, it can be time to seek professional help. It can be difficult to know where to find help and what grief support options are available.

Chantal – Grief and art therapy group

Chantal talks about the honour of being witness to other peoples story and exploration of grief and art therapy

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Maureen – “Group therapy vs individual therapy”

Maureen talks about what kind of counselling may work for you.

Sara – Music and celebration of life

Sara explains how music can play an importand and significant role in celebrations of life.

Jacqueline – Art therapy and grieving women

Jacqueline explains how helping connect to the heart and reslience with art therapy can be very helpful