Death is the price we pay for being human, yet, the chaos of grief can bring the strongest to their knees and the heartbreak of loss can make us feel that we’ve lost our way. Even the strongest of us benefit from support and guidance when life challenges are overwhelming, exhausting or disorienting. Howling Lion Grief specializes in counseling people through loss, understanding that grief is not a problem to be fixed but, rather, an experience that we live through as we find our way, and ourselves, in a world that is suddenly different.

Elizabeth Schandelmeier, LCSW, APHSW-C, FT

Grief Counselor, Educator, and recognized Grief Expert

I have more than 10 years specialized experience supporting people through death, dying, grief and other significant losses in a safe and nonjudgmental manner. I understand that grief is a lived experience to move through, not a simple problem to fix. I specialize in helping others find their way through the chaos and darkness to (re)find themselves and the joy and beauty of the world around them. Loss often brings major change to our lives, I help people reorient themselves in their new reality to feel fully alive once again. I work with individuals, families and groups, using compassion to find laughter and connection with people and the natural world.

I also have experience developing training materials, teaching, speaking and educating at a wide range of levels, including doctors and other medical professionals, nursing home staff, hospital personnel and community members.

My experience working in a major level 1 trauma center hospital serving a tri-state area as a supportive clinical presence on the consult palliative team means that I am familiar with medical technology and the process of decision making. In addition, I have more than 10 years experience volunteering and providing counseling support through hospice agencies.