50 YEARS OF ADEC!
Early this month, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) Conference in Baltimore, MD. This year’s conference was particularly special as ADEC celebrated 50 years as a leading organization in the field of Thanatology. The days in Baltimore were filled with meaningful engagement with professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including research, medical care, therapy, mortuary science, and chaplaincy, all contributing to work in death, end-of-life care, and bereavement support. It’s always a pleasure to network with national and international colleagues, learning how they are advancing bereavement care in their communities while also sharing my research and projects.
This year ADEC hosted a special theatrical presentation, Staging Loss: Talking About What We Do Not Talk About. This performance highlighted the personal grief experiences of helping professionals who strive to do their work with empathy and proficiency but are often navigating their own losses. Not only did the actors bring to life the real words of professionals, but the sharing of audience members was also poignant and relatable. As a thanatologist, one of the questions I am often asked is what keeps me in this work. Like many in this field, a sense of purpose remains a steady source of grounding, even while managing a range of personal stressors. The opportunity to validate clients’ experiences and build meaningful connections has always been central to my work.
One of my guiding philosophies in supporting grieving individuals is the importance of continued learning as a clinician. Conversations with colleagues, staying informed about new techniques and methodologies, and expanding one’s approach help ensure that clients feel seen and supported in their unique grief experiences. Being among peers consistently renews my sense of purpose as I return to my local work.
This year, one of my favorite presentations focused on the use of Lego bricks and figures as a therapeutic tool. I enjoyed learning how people of all ages could benefit from using the classic toy. Another favorite presentation explored grief in the context of chronic illness. Attendees learned more about what it means to grieve the things often not visible. This topic closely connected to my own presentation on Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Childhood. My objectives centered on the grief experiences of caregivers and examined ways to better support them amid the many demands and stressors they face. As a returning presenter at the ADEC Conference, this was my first time presenting on non-death related loss. It was rewarding to engage with my sessions attendees and push forward the need for support across different forms of grief.
Enjoying meals and taking in the views of Baltimore Harbor were my forms of self-care. The experience was both inspiring and energizing, and I look forward to continuing to build on the connections made throughout the conference.
© Anchor Grief, 2026
