My name is Karen Omand and I am a Thanatologist; I am a counselor and educator in grief, bereavement, and loss.
The losses in my life, both death and non-death, have led me to this career. I specialize in helping those who have lost loved ones, as well as, those who have experienced non-death losses such as, divorce, infertility, chronic illness, and job loss, to name a few. I hold two BA degrees: Thanatology from the University of Western (the only Thanatology degree in Canada) and Sociology from the University of Windsor. Certifications: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Complicated Grief (Prolonged Grief Disorder), Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training, Certified Thanatologist (CT) from the Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC).
As a Thanatologist, I take a different approach to grief and loss than those in the Psychology field. I will not try to fix the problem of grief because grief is not a problem; grief is a form of love and it affects everyone at some point in their lives. Instead, I listen, validate, encourage, help you feel safe, and integrate the losses into your life while helping you find new purpose and meaning. I will be there to bear witness to your pain by companioning you through this difficult journey and offer unconditional support. I have been in this field for over 13 years. I have worked as a grief counsellor, facilitator in bereavement and support groups, led grief walking groups, supported suicide survivors, and provided palliative support for patients at the end of their lives.
I encourage anyone who is curious about working with me to contact me to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
