Help for Grieving Families
Heart-centred support and family friendly resources
As a parent and professional who has walked with many children and families through MAiD, I know how confusing this time can be. I also know that every family is different with unique strengths, values, and approaches to parenting. Professionals and organizations that help grieving families also need their own education and support.
Here are several ways I can help…
Services for Individuals and Families
Counselling
I offer heart-centred counselling to individuals and families before, during, and after MAiD to help you create a supportive environment that is right for you and your family. I believe grief is normal and with the right support, a healthy, necessary and even beautiful rite of passage that can strengthen your family bonds. I draw on best practices for supporting child and family grief, creative arts, narrative, meaning-centred, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, as well as practical guidance through the MAiD process. We’ll work together to wrap support around you and your family.
Dignity Therapy
Imagine your life is a photo album that you are holding on your lap. When you flip through that album, what memories stand out to you?
People facing a life-limiting illness often wish to reflect on their lives. They long to walk the paths they did in their youth, and to share their stories and learnings with the people they care about. This therapeutic life review is more than an opportunity for nostalgia. Recalling the memories, the people, and the experiences that made us who we are – both the light and the dark – can be healing for the person who is dying, and their people.
Counselling services are offered through MindKey Health and start at $150/hr
Resources
Families need help in a variety of ways. That’s why I’ve created a number of educational resources to help grown-ups have compassionate and informed conversations with children.
Services for Professionals and Organizations
Events and Presentations
As a seasoned presenter and facilitator, I’ve delivered countless workshops and presentations to professionals, parents, children, students, and community members. Whether online or in person, my events are always dynamic with plenty of participant engagement and story-telling to make the content come alive.
Contact me to book a speaking engagement at your school, library, clinic, business or organization.
Education and Content Creation
I offer curriculum design and content development services to businesses and organizations interested in communicating with their clients and community about MAiD, serious illness and dying, and mental health and well-being. Contact me to explore how I can support your live/online workshop or professional development training.
School Visits
Students from preschool to Grade 5+
30 minutes - 1 hour
Topics:
Pancakes with Nana - story time with interactive learning that focuses on the facts about death and MAiD, and ways to create continuing bonds with loved ones
Cycle of Life and Death - a gentle workshop to help children see that change is everywhere and learn foundational coping skills
Good Grief - education about what grief is, ways kids can cope, and how to help grieving friends
Our First Talk About Death - gently introducing facts about dying and death including natural death and MAiD, rituals and ceremony across cultures, and ways to cope
Presentations/ Workshops
Professional Development
These events are suited for teachers, early childhood educators, counsellors, social workers, family doctors, naturopaths and integrative health practitioners, librarians, hospices, and other professionals/volunteers who serve grieving families and people pursuing MAiD.
1-3 hours
Topics:
Engaging children in MAiD - ways to talk about MAiD, tend to children’s core needs, and develop continuing bonds using Pancakes with Nana as a practice support tool
Child-friendly funerals - funerals can be tremendous sources of healing for adults and children alike. Learn how to create a funeral, celebration of life, memorial or other service or ceremony with children’s needs in mind
Preparing Adults for MAiD - creative activities and information to help you guide your clients/patients to envision their MAiD day and identify the things that will bring themselves and their loved ones comfort
Chelsea’s MAiD Story - through storytelling, art and music, I share how I walked with my mum, Merry, and my children through her MAiD in spring 2019. This educational and inspiring story offers a window into how children and families can experience MAiD and ways to soften the experience
Personal Comfort Planning - helping clients and patients prepare for their end of life with comfort and compassion (with Death Doula Network International)
