Cole Imperi
Thanatologist, award-winning author, chaplain, deathworker, and founder of the School of American Thanatology
Our lives are enriched when we can nurture our relationship with death, dying, grief & loss.
Latest Projects and Resources
Cole’s mission is to help people explore & nurture their relationship with death, dying, grief and loss so that they can get the most out of life. Read about her latest projects and resources that contribute to her life’s work.
A Guide To Grief (Ages 10–14)
Awards
An Honor Book Award for the California Reading Association's 2024 Eureka! Excellence in Children's Nonfiction Awards
Reviews
"Recommended … an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive introduction to grief loss that gives some scientifically backed strategies to support young people, their friends, and families."
—School Library Journal, 17 September 2024
“…Just the right blend of practical and beneficial, the book ends with extensive back matter, including information for caregivers, online resources, and reference books.”
— Booklist, 01 October 2024
"… the book is primarily concerned with practical ideas and individual experiences … readers will likely find guidance—and reassurance."
—Kirkus Reviews, 03 August 2024
This book is the wise and compassionate friend you need when you experience grief and loss.
Everyone faces loss, and everyone grieves. But grief is as unique as a thumbprint—not everyone grieves the same losses or in the same way. A Guide to Grief covers everything you need to know about death and loss that no one wants to talk about.
Whether you are grieving a deathloss (the death of a loved one), or a shadowloss (the death of something not someone), there are simple exercises and helpful mantras to help you move forward in healthy ways. Grief traditions from different cultures and throughout history remind you that this is a universal experience, and you are not alone. This guide has been sensitively reviewed by experts in the field, and contains writing prompts, helpful resources, a glossary of terms, as well as a guide for caregivers. You are part of a new generation of grievers. So let’s start a new way of talking about endings.
Subscribe to Cole’s Latest Column
Grief or Madness is a column about life, through the lens of grief. What if grief is a unifying, additive experience that enhances both the heart and soul of life? Read past articles and subscribe to get this column sent to your inbox for free.
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The Curious Spirit. We explore where curiosity has led me: from grief to the garden, books to events, news to education.
“The Future Of” Documentary Series, Only on Netflix
What if we could look into the future to see how every aspect of our daily lives –from raising pets to what we eat – will be impacted by technology?
Follow Cole through the “Life After Death” episode—more information here.
TedX Talk: Shadowloss
When we experience a loss of something—like a divorce, infertility, getting fired, etc.—it can feel the same as if we had a loss of someone. Sometimes worse because the hidden grief that follows leaves us feeling isolated. Shadowloss™, is a term coined by Cole that gives us the language to better identify, label, and process our own life experiences.
Let’s Talk About Loss and Grief
Cole has changed the way we talk about death by introducing new, non-clinical terms, concepts, and even fields of study. She has made it possible for curious spirits to explore themes of death, dying, grief, and loss in a safe, empathetic, gentle way. Explore at your own pace.
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Thanatology
The study of death & dying—how old is it? where did it originate? And why is it important for people to study it?
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Shadowloss
How to talk about, heal, and support others when there is a loss of something—not someone.
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Thanabotany
This new field explores how plants are used in thanatology and how they bring meaning to the grieving process and more.
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Deathwork
Discover what it takes to pursue a career as a deathworker and why Cole believes that Deathwork is Activism.
