4 minute read
Shaping Society’s Understanding of Death and Bereavement with Elreacy Dock
In the field of thanatology the study of death, dying, and bereavement, few voices stand out for their ability to merge deep academic knowledge with practical compassion as effectively as Elreacy Dock. A seasoned educator, grief specialist, and advocate, Dock has dedicated her career to helping people understand one of life’s most inevitable experiences: death through teaching, writing, and speaking, she has created a supportive space for those navigating grief and trauma, while also challenging society’s deep-seated fear of death Dock shares insights into her journey, her work, and the future of thanatology.
A Journey into Thanatology
Elreacy didn't originally set out to become a thanatologist, but the career path emerged naturally over time. With a background in mental health and grief education, she found herself repeatedly drawn to questions about mortality, loss, and the ways humans cope with death, "There was a point when I realized that so much of my work intersected with death, whether I was coaching people through loss or teaching students about trauma," she says "I wanted to dig deeper into these themes to better support people going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives."
The study of death, dying, and grief allowed Elreacy to tap into a broader understanding of human experience, but more importantly, it provided a way to empower others "Death is something that touches everyone, but there’s so much fear and misinformation surrounding it," she explains.
"My goal is to make these conversations more approachable and to normalize the fact that death, while difficult, is a natural part of life."
Exploring Cultural, Social, and Psychological Dimensions
Elreacy examines a broad range of cultural, social, and psychological aspects of death From afterlife beliefs and mourning practices to trauma responses and resilience, her work addresses the complexities of grief and loss. "Given my background in mental health, I’ve spent considerable time working with people navigating these challenges," she says. Spirituality also plays a key role, particularly for those seeking comfort in religious practices
Breaking the Stigma Around Death Education
Teaching about death is challenging in a culture that often avoids the topic. "One of the first things I do is create a safe, nonjudgmental space," Dock says. Her approach uses personal stories and real-life examples to make death more relatable, encouraging reflection on personal experiences. "We all have teachable moments in our encounters with death and grief," she adds
Impact on Students and Shifting Perspectives
As the lead instructor for the thanatology program at Capstone University, Elreacy has seen the profound impact of death education "Many students realize they’ve never fully grieved certain losses and find tools to process those emotions," she shares.
Others are challenged by new perspectives, such as on medical aid in dying, "It’s rewarding to watch students become passionate about issues they hadn’t considered before."
Fostering a Compassionate Culture
Elreacy believes death education fosters a more compassionate society. "Understanding grief helps us respond more compassionately to others," she explains It also promotes cultural understanding, as learning about other death practices highlights shared human experiences.
Through her thoughtful approach, Elreacy Dock is not only helping others understand death but also contributing to a more compassionate, open-minded society one conversation at a time.
Looking Toward the Future
Dock is focused on expanding grief education beyond the classroom. She is developing online courses and resources, including a forthcoming book exploring new dimensions of grief.
"Thanatology has taught me to live more mindfully and cherish my relationships," she reflects.
More about Elreacy:
Elreacy Dock is a thanatologist, death educator, certified grief educator, and behavioral health consultant. She is the Thanatology Department Chair, Curriculum Developer, and Instructor at Capstone University. Elreacy serves on the Membership Committee for the Association of Death Education and Counseling and is a contributor at Seven Ponds. Her insights are prominently featured in international media and academic journals. You can connect with Elreacy via Instagram, X, and her website.
