About Barbara

Barbara Saunders has a degree from London’s King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario, Canada with a major in Thanatology (study of death and loss) and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Barbara provides counselling, resources and guidance for many types of loss to individuals, groups, businesses and organizations. What brought Barbara to this point in her life is a story in itself. Life losses accumulate in many ways for many people and for Barbara, she is no exception. Noteworthy at this time is the fact; Barbara is not defined by her losses but inspired by them. She is the first to say “don’t assume anything, about anyone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Numerous losses and/or deaths associated with her childhood family upbringing, children, relationships, grandparents, parents, friendships, pets, self and more are parts of Barbara’s reality. In the face of fears, tears, sadness, lack of knowledge and understanding, Barbara found the courage to move beyond her perceived limitations and create a new and improved life for herself. A life of compassion and understanding built on experiences and education enable her to share a wealth of knowledge with others.

In addition to the above Barbara has a background in components of loss such as:

  • Trauma Incident Reduction for adults and children
  • Life Stress Reduction
  • Drug and alcohol addictions as it pertains to family members or addicts
  • Violence against women and associated losses
  • Suicide loss
  • Perinatal loss
  • Abortion loss (for men & women)
  • Divorce/separation
  • Spiritual connections

Extra info about Barbara:

  • Counselling with Survivors of Suicide loss (CMHA Middlesex)
  • Counselling with Suicide loss in private practice
  • Counselling with Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) organization
  • Counselling using Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR) and  especially relating to grief and associated traumas that arise from past traumas or situations that have not been resolved.
  • Counselling with Project Rachel (post abortion counselling)
  • Counselling children with grief loss and associated concerns
  • is an approved counsellor with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  • is a member of Bereavement Ontario Network
  • taught “Domestic Violence” and “Victimization” courses at the local college
  • writes articles for “The Weekly News” paper and regular blog postings on this website
  • does public speaking engagements
  • helped with the committee to organize “Positive Spaces Initiative” for LGBTQ in Chatham-Kent, Ontario
  • was an Addiction Treatment counsellor for Family Members
  • Meditation and self awareness (healing) focus for over 20 years

Barbara also likes animals, gardening, adventures, reading and long walks in the woods to mention a few things.

 

The services provided by “Healing a Heart’s Loss” are LGBTQ positive.