Announcements

The Association of Death Education & Counselling(ADEC) Chicago, USA. has added the sub-title “The Thanatology Association” to its web site presence to further promote the awareness of this specialized field of expertise.

Events

This page records some of the past events with which the Centre has been involved.

On Sunday, December 9, 2007 Kathleen Foster-Morgan, Grief Therapist shared skills for surviving the holiday season and offered the Tree of Stars in conjunction with Glenwood Cemetery. The third event at Glenwood was well attended and followed by Cider & Shortbread.

Some helpful tips shared included...

“In choosing to grieve actively, we choose life” - Thomas Atig

The holidays are a tough time to grieve. Knowing that does not make them any easier and it may help us to understand and accept our reactions to develop ways to cope.

It is normal to reflect on past holidays and remember family times and loved ones. Memories can become painful when everyone else seems happy and joyful.

We hope you will join us to participate in the Tree of Stars this year. The concept of sharing and placing a simple star on a beautiful lit tree reminds of the light or is that life with in each of us?

This past year numerous Canadian soldiers died, wars continued, family and friends experienced many types of loss. World grief can exacerbate personal grief. Survival requires understanding the power within ourselves to relate to our immediate needs and those around us.

CHOOSE

We do have choices. We can decide what activities we wish to participate in, who we want to be with, what we want to do. One of the choices we may want to consider is how to mark the loss during the holidays. During the holidays we feel the presence of that person's absence. Finding ways to recognize and acknowledge that individual can bring a positive focus to our grief. This may be done by placing a star on a tree, or lighting a candle, finding a moment of silence or a holiday toast are simple ways to acknowledge the loss.

COMMUNICATE

It is important that we discuss our choices with others, especially those who are affected by them. They have needs as well. Their ways of dealing with their grief may be different. Being willing to share what level of intimacy you can tolerate over the holidays helps build an honest relationship.

COMPROMISE

Each of us deals with loss in our own particular way. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. When we communicate, we may find that our feelings and needs, the very ways that we cope, will differ. We need to find space to compromise. Nothing changes the fact that the holidays can be especially difficult while grieving. And as we choose our actions, communicate our choices with others, and find suitable compromises, we may find that they are bearable. And that gives us renewed strength and hope.

Exploring Suicide: Professional and Personal Perspectives
The first lecture in what is planned to be an annual Lecture Series of collaborations between The Edith Fox Life & Loss Centre and prominent ADEC speakers took place on 23 March 2007. It was held at Loyalist College, Belleville. The topics included:

Exploring the Centre & ADEC as Resources
Evaluating Suicide Statistics & Myths
Understanding Prevention & Postventions
Appreciating Suicide Occurs Across the lifespan
The Interview: A Shared Story…

The presenters were:

Kathleen Foster-Morgan CGT OSP FT
Clinical Member Ontario Society of Psychotherapists, Fellow in Thanatology: Dying, Death and Bereavement.
Founder & CEO, The Edith Fox Life & Loss Centre, Prince Edward County

Dr. Madeline E. Lambrecht
Director and Professor University of Delaware, Fellow in Thanatology: Dying, Death and Bereavement

The lecture was well-attended by over 80 professionals, clinicians and students.
We will post information relating to the workshop shortly that will be available for download.