Program info

The Integrative Thanatology Certificate Program*

The Integrative Thanatology Certificate Program is one of the oldest thanatology programs in the United States. This nine-month online training explores the spiritual, psychological, social, physical, and cultural dimensions of death, dying, loss, and grief. Students learn from leading faculty, engage in rich discussions, and join a global network of peers—all while building both personal insight and professional skill.

The Certificate program in Integrative Thanatology is now being offered in partnership with the School of American Thanatology, founded by a graduate of the Art of Dying program. The School (SAT) is handling outreach, marketing and registration and working closely with the Art of Dying Institute to maintain the high content standards that have always characterized our work since its inception in 1995. The School of American Thanatology serves students in 30 countries, making it one of the most globally connected thanatology schools in the world.

Attendees will learn:

Skills in navigating the experiences of death, dying, loss and bereavement
Current medical culture and options for improving end-of-life scenarios while under medical treatment
The effects of compassionate presence at the end of life
End of Life Planning
To return sacredness to the dying process
Tools for caregiving and caregivers
Tools and techniques of the End of Life Doula
Alternative options for handling the body after death and creating meaningful services
The possible role of psychedelics at end of life
Psycho-Spiritual Transformation in Death and Dying
How to integrate this material with their life’s calling and creative work

Who is this training for:

This certificate program is appropriate for anyone with a sincere interest in this profound topic.

The program will be of particular benefit to those working in hospice, nursing homes, and other health care settings, counselors, social workers, teachers, clergy, chaplains, and spiritual leaders, psychologists, death doulas, and others who want to broaden their work in the burgeoning field of death and dying.

*The Association of Death Education and Counseling® (ADEC) has deemed this program as counting towards the contact hour requirements for the ADEC CT/FT.

For more information on ADEC certifications, please visit www.adec.org.

“The wealth of information provided was incredible, but the relationships built and nurtured over this period is what I truly will never forget. I laughed, I cried, and I found my home - my safe haven - my family amongst all of you."

-Tatyana H.

“This was an incredible experience from start to finish. I loved the range of classes offered, and how for many of them we were able to break into small groups to get to know each other better. I thought the Integration sessions were wonderful, as it gave an opportunity for feedback and processing. This was a life-changing experience for me and I will never forget it."

-Mia N.

“The presenters were all wonderful in their own way. I learned so much from each of them. The topics were rich, deep, and practical. It was very special to go through this program with a wonderful cohort. I will miss our regular classes, integration sessions, and study. Thank you so much! Taking this class during the pandemic was a true gift for which I will always be grateful!"

Kim S.

“I loved the well roundedness of this program - the title perfectly describes what I loved, "Integrative Thanatology". It truly was integrative, and each of the presenters were passionate about their topic. There was a good amount of interaction time to process the information with presenters, and also other participants in the program. I felt like there was a lot of intention put into this program, and I really appreciate that."

Laurie R.

“Thanks so much for this online Thanatology program and for the beautiful work of the Open Center. Even if I live in Europe, it's a blessing to be able to attend your amazing courses online."

Ana Marcos-Gonzalez, MD