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.

C-CAT Summer Death Education Series

C-CAT summer death education series calendar with options to attend education sessions in person at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick Maryland and also online. Processing Grief and Loss, Political Grief, Death Planning 101, How to Talk about Deat
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Upcoming events

  • Death Planning 101 (virtual)

    08. 6:00-8:00PM (Eastern)

    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.

    RSVP

  • Processing Grief and Loss

    08.13 4:30-6PM

    Official Library Programming

    Join us in person at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick for this talk on what grief is and how to get through it. This session is useful for anyone, whether you are in the midst of grief or will be in the future.

    RSVP

  • How to Talk about Death (virtual)

    08.14 6:00-8:00PM Eastern

    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?

    RSVP

Welcome

  • 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.

I’m Kendra.

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

I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May 2025, along with my Certificate of Thanatology. Upon licensing by the MD state board, I will be practicing counseling.

Get in Touch

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.