Center for Counseling and Applied Thanatology

Death Positive

Thanatology is the study of death and dying. Applied thanatology refers to the practical application of that knowledge. Although death is a taboo subject, it is something we all encounter at some point in our lives. At C-CAT, we believe in the importance of death positivity, which removes the stigma from these important discussions so that we can find both the practical and the emotional support we need.

Community Oriented

C-CAT envisions an integrated space that brings individuals and businesses together while providing vital services, support, and education related to death and grief. Thinking globally, but acting locally in Frederick Maryland.

I’m Kendra.

I am Kendra Speicher-Eisenstark, founder of C-CAT. I am a therapist, death planner and death educator.

I hold an LGPC license to practice counseling under supervision. I work with individuals, groups, families, and couples working through all kinds of losses and transitions, including death.

Counseling Services

Doula and Death Planning Services

Education Events

Political Grief

Political grief is a particular form of grieving related to large-scale events. In this education session, we focus on what political grief is and how to get through it. This is a non-partisan event.
Both in-person and virtual times are available.

RSVP
Death Planning 101

Death is a bureaucratic mess. This discussion focuses on making sense of the practical aspects of death planning. What are your options? What can you start to plan now? We will look at legal, medical, and funerary options.
Both in-person and virtual times are available.

RSVP
Processing Grief and Loss

This discussion focuses on what grief is and how to get through it. Learn about the dual process model and the importance of continuing bonds. This session is useful for anyone, whether you are in the midst of grief or will be in the future.
Both in-person and virtual times are available.

RSVP
How to Talk about Death

Death is a taboo topic, so how do you even begin? This session covers ways to make speaking about death more comfortable and normal. How do I talk to my kids about my wishes? How do I talk to my community about my fears?
Both in-person and virtual times are available.

RSVP

Welcome

Close-up of a person's hand using a laptop touchscreen with the index finger.

CCAT offers services and support for individuals and families in times of death and grief. This includes counseling, education, death planning, and death doula services.
CCAT also works with businesses to educate and support their work with grieving clients and customers. This includes training, consultation, and more direct partnership.
CCAT uses a sliding scale for counseling services. Pricing for consultation and death planning is based on project scope. Similar to a wedding planner who might offer day-of coordinator prices and large package deals, the client’s needs dictate the scope of work.