At the annual ADEC (Association of Death Education and Counseling), I spoke with Dr Janet McCord about helping others after loss.

Janet is a professor in Thanatology. In the video below she shared with me the programs at Marian University and what they offer those who are interested in helping others through grief and loss.

Here are some key takeaways from the video:

• Janet offers a Masters of Science degree in Thanatology, which is the study of death, dying, loss, and bereavement.
• Thanatology doesn’t technically include non-death loss, but in Janet’s program it is included as well.
• Hospices are mandated to offer bereavement care services, but they never know who to hire in order to fulfill those services. So what Janet has done at Marian University is create a practical degree in order to help people be trained and be ready  to step into those roles.
• Should people who have experienced loss go into the field of Thanatology? Janet says that it all depends on when the loss has occurred. If it’s a fresh loss it can be difficult because the content in the program can set off emotional triggers.
• What Janet means by this, is that people in the program may read something and find themselves really emotionally upset and find that they need more time before being able to continue with the program.
• However, education is therapeutic. So those who continue with the program find themselves wanting to learn more so they can help someone else. The program helps you to gain mastery over your loss and gain a deeper understanding of your loss.
• Janet’s programs are offered 100% online, where you have the option to do a Masters degree or an 18-credit certificate. Or you can just take individual courses.
• To learn more about these programs, vist www.marionuniversity.edu

For more video interviews, please see the Open To Hope YouTube channel.