BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
Navigating Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
Sam Vander Schelde is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and certified Thanatologist with a profound dedication to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of grief, loss, and bereavement. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and a double-major degree in Thanatology and Social Justice from King’s University College at Western University, Sam brings a depth of knowledge and compassion to his work.
Sam specializes in supporting those grappling with anticipatory grief, traumatic loss, and the intersection of grief and addiction recovery. He recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals in recovery who are processing unresolved grief, personal loss, or the impact of addiction on family dynamics. Through his holistic, trauma-informed approach, Sam empowers clients to address these intertwined experiences with empathy and understanding, fostering both healing and resilience.
As a certified Thanatologist, Sam focuses on the emotional, psychological, and personal challenges of navigating significant losses in life, including death, dying, and bereavement, as well as losses related to addiction. These losses often involve complex emotions such as grief, guilt, anger, and sadness, compounded by the stigma and shame that frequently accompany addiction. Sam provides a safe and supportive space where clients can process these emotions, confront societal judgments, honour their unique experiences, and rebuild their lives with purpose and resilience. Whether supporting those facing end-of-life transitions, helping families affected by childhood cancer, or guiding individuals through the multifaceted layers of addiction-related losses, Sam offers practical tools and compassionate care tailored to each client’s journey.
By integrating his expertise in thanatology, social work, and social justice, Sam offers a compassionate and holistic approach to addiction counseling. His deep understanding of grief and bereavement allows him to address the loss, trauma, and emotional complexities often intertwined with addiction. Through his social work training, Sam provides client-centered, trauma-informed care that supports individuals in building resilience and navigating recovery. Grounded in his commitment to social justice, Sam advocates for equitable access to support services and works to dismantle the stigma and shame associated with addiction, fostering an environment of healing and empowerment.
