Thanatologist
Thanatology is a comprehensive field of study that examines every facet of death, dying, and bereavement.
Thanatologists are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss and bereavement.
Thanatologists work in many different situations, all of them emotionally complex.
Direct Billing with Major Canadian Insurance Companies
We direct bill to these benefit providers.
Mental health care benefits in Ontario play a vital role in fostering supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being.
We're happy to accept many employer benefits, allowing employees to access our specialized
services without any financial stress.
Thanatologist
Thanatology is a comprehensive field of study that examines every facet of death, dying, and bereavement.
Thanatologists are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss and bereavement.
Thanatologists work in many different situations, all of them emotionally complex.
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Bereavement and loss can be overwhelming, affecting every part of your life.
Our specialists at This Thing Called Grief are here to support you through this challenging time. We focus on personalized care, guiding you towards healing and resilience.
With compassionate listening and tailored strategies, we aim to help you find peace and understanding in the midst of your grief.
Remember, you don't have to go through this alone; we're here to walk with you every step of the way.
Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced graduate degree that equips professionals with specialized skills in counselling, mental health and advocacy.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides foundational training for addressing social issues and supporting communities.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a professional designation for licensed social workers, ensuring ethical practice and quality care across diverse settings like healthcare, education and social services.
Social Work BSW RSW
Social Work at This Thing Called Grief provides a supportive and understanding environment to help you manage life's ups and downs.
Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or complex family dynamics, our social work services offer personalized guidance and resources to improve your well-being.
By focusing on your unique needs, we aim to empower you to overcome obstacles and find a path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Friday Counselling
Welcome! You do not have to navigate the often overwhelming journey of grief and loss alone.
This Thing Called Grief offers a safe space for those dealing with various forms of loss, whether it involves:
* death of a loved one
* significant life change
* loss of a job, a relationship
* shift in identity or health.
Understanding that many people, while in need of support, may feel uncertain about counselling or worry about the costs.
We are committed to breaking down those barriers.
That's why we at This Thing Called Grief offer free virtual counselling every Friday for:
* parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer
* frontline healthcare workers facing grief, burnout, or other personal challenges.
These complimentary 45 minute sessions are designed to provide support to those who might otherwise hesitate to seek help, whether due to financial concerns or a reluctance to try counselling.
If you fall into either of these groups, we invite you to sign up at the start of each week here on this page.
We are here for you.
Our support is built not just on our work, but on the resilience we've gained from our own life experiences, and we're ready to help you through yours.
Blogs
Recent articles from the blog.
Mr. Sam Vander Schelde
BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
Friday Counselling, Social Work BSW RSW, Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist, Thanatologist
Supporting Fathers Through Unimaginable Loss
Sam understands the unique challenges fathers face when dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, or loss of a child to cancer. Often, societal expectations make it difficult for fathers to show vulnerability, and they may feel an intense need to stay strong for their families. Recognizing this, Sam creates a safe space where fathers can express and honour their grief without judgment. With his deep understanding of masculine grief, Sam helps fathers break down barriers and explore their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Through his specialized focus, Sam empowers fathers to process pain and build resilience, fostering personal growth and self-understanding. He believes in the healing power of a supportive, relatable therapeutic relationship—where fathers can explore their difficult emotions, build resilience, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose in their family roles and beyond.
Supporting Men in Navigating Life’s Challenges
For many men, seeking support can feel challenging due to expectations of strength and resilience. Sam offers a non-judgmental environment where men can explore their emotions openly, whether facing career transitions, relationship issues, or self-identity challenges. His experience as both a social worker and thanatologist gives him a unique perspective on men’s mental health, addressing emotional well-being and promoting growth.
Why Men Should Seek Counselling with Sam
Empathy from Shared Experiences Sam understands the barriers men often encounter in seeking help. He brings empathy and respect to each session, creating a space where men feel genuinely seen and heard.
Support for Complex Emotions Men may find it difficult to process vulnerability, anger, or sadness. Sam offers tools to help men work through these feelings constructively, fostering emotional awareness.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations Societal ideals of strength and stoicism can limit men’s emotional expression. Sam helps clients define strength on their own terms, empowering them to embrace vulnerability.
Growth and Resilience in Adversity Sam’s counselling sessions focus on resilience, helping men uncover their strengths and move forward with self-assurance, whether coping with past trauma or navigating current life stressors.
A Non-Judgmental Space Sam’s approach is rooted in respect and understanding, allowing men to explore and express themselves freely. He builds trusting therapeutic relationships that support each client’s unique journey.
By seeking support with Sam, men have the opportunity to redefine their relationship with vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and build the tools needed for lasting emotional well-being.
Support to Women and Mothers In addition to his work with fathers, Sam is dedicated to supporting women and mothers through grief and loss. Women often face layered emotional challenges, balancing their needs alongside those of their families. Sam’s compassionate approach acknowledges this emotional labor, providing a safe space where women can process their grief and find healing.
With his versatile background, Sam tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs, offering empathetic support, therapeutic tools, and validation. He guides clients through challenging emotions and empowers them to honour their grief authentically.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Families In each session, Sam’s goal remains the same: to offer a nurturing space where individuals can confront and explore their grief, build resilience, and feel supported. Through his work with both men and women, he helps families find peace and purpose as they navigate complex grief, fostering an environment where all can grow, heal, and thrive.
Mrs. Kimberley Vander Schelde
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Friday Counselling, Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist, Thanatologist
Kim Vander Schelde (She/Her) is a dedicated grief, bereavement and loss specialist who understands the power of true empathy, serving all of Canada.
With a deep understanding of the challenges life can bring, Kim offers a unique perspective and unwavering support to those in need.
Kim believes that lived experience is equally important in providing effective support. Specializing in working with parents of children diagnosed with cancer, Kim draws from her own personal experiences with infertility, loss of a partner, being the spouse to a first responder, grief, suicide, life-limiting illness, and victims of crime.
In times when friends and family may not be present or understanding, Kim is there to listen and provide a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and experiences. Her genuine compassion and personal insights make her a trusted ally for those navigating difficult times.
Kim’s commitment to supporting others through their challenges sets her apart as a beacon of hope and understanding in times of need.
Mrs. Sarah Pollard
BSW, RSW
Social Work BSW RSW
Sarah is a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life struggles and transitions.
She offers counselling and resource navigation to individuals during their most vulnerable times. She provides supportive counselling using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, incorporating CBT practices.
Sarah is particularly enthusiastic about working with adults who have struggled with life transitions and losses but has extensive experience supporting individuals across a broad spectrum of ages and challenges.
Sarah is personally and professionally experienced in assisting individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement from infertility/miscarriage loss to palliative care, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and cognitive impairments.
Sarah’s true passion has been holding a safe space for individuals who are struggling to process their grief and loss and walks alongside individuals on their journey from struggle to support in their healing work.