Heartspace Counselling and Art Therapy
compassion connecting creativity
What is a Death Café?
A Death Café is a community gathering where people come together to talk openly about death, dying, grief, life and everything in between over tea, and refreshments.
Despite its name, a Death Café is not necessarily a physical café. Rather, it is a welcoming space for open, participant-led conversations about a subject often avoided in everyday life.
The central philosophy is:
"To increase awareness of death with a view to
helping people make the most of their (finite) lives."
The Heartspace Collective
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Heartspace Collective: Death Café is a welcoming space to gather, reflect, and explore our thoughts, experiences, and curiosities about mortality.
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Our gathering is inspired by The Death Cafe model, developed by Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid,
based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz.
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There is no set agenda, no right or wrong answers, and no expectation to share. Come as you are, whether you wish to speak, listen, or simply be present.
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Enjoy tea, light refreshments, and good company as we make space for meaningful conversations about life and death.
Benefits
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Open conversations and reflection:
Creating space to explore thoughts, experiences,
and curiosities about death, dying, grief, and life.
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Awareness and appreciation of life:
Exploring how our relationship with mortality can deepen our understanding of ourselves and what matters most.
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Community and connection:
Honouring our shared humanity through meaningful conversations, mutual respect, and listening without judgment.
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Curiosity and presence:
Slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and making space for different perspectives without the need for answers or conclusions.
Common questions:
Why is Heartspace offering Open Studio?
We believe that conversations about death and mortality can deepen our appreciation for life, and remind us of our shared humanity.
We hope to create an accessible, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where conversations about death, dying, and grief can unfold openly and naturally. By making space for these often-avoided conversations, we hope to nurture curiosity, reflection, and community connection.
What is the cost?
This is a community gathering supported by voluntary donations and sponsorships, which are warmly appreciated to help cover studio and facilitation costs, art materials, tea, and light refreshments.
Individuals interested in sponsoring are welcome to reach out: stephanie@heartspace-counselling.com
Do you offer any food and drinks?
We provide tea (including caffeine-free options), filtered and flavoured water, and light snacks.
Please ask or let us know about any allergies or sensitivities ahead of time.
Who is the facilitator?
Sessions are facilitated by Rachel Aussem (Registered Social Worker, Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, Grief Art Therapy Group Facilitator) at Heartspace Counselling and Art Therapy.
Who is the facilitator?
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Sessions are facilitated by Rachel Aussem (Registered Social Worker, Grief Counsellor, Therapeutic Arts Practitioner,
Facilitator of Grief Art Therapy and Open Studio Groups)
at Heartspace Counselling and Art Therapy.
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Rachel has a background in counselling and supports individuals and groups with a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.
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For inquiries and logistics, please email:
rachel@heartspace-counselling.com
Is this Grief Therapy?
Death Café is a community conversation, not a grief support group, counselling, or therapy session.
For those seeking additional grief support, Rachel offers a separate grief art therapy group, as well as individual grief counselling and expressive arts therapy through in-person and online sessions.
You are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether working together feels like a good fit here.
What past participants said:
"The space was well equipped and inviting.
It was a comfortable environment that
I felt able to be myself in." — Sarah
"I appreciate the calming and inviting space.
I found it to be a very calming and introspective experience that allowed me to slow down
and reflect." — LN
"The studio has a calming, cozy atmosphere that feels very welcoming. The guidance was gentle, and the whole experience felt relaxed, almost like a casual hangout. I felt completely at ease, and the overall vibe was soothing. — J. C.
"It was so nice to connect with folks and
ease into the weekend. Thank you for accommodating my needs and sharing
your space!" — Linda
"It gave me a place to ground and reflect at my own pacing. I liked exploring myself at my own pace through the tools."
— Omar
"[The facilitators] went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and aware of all they offered and allowed me to feel safe to be vulnerable. Can't wait to join again."
"The welcoming atmosphere among everyone participating made me feel very relaxed."
— Arisa
"I liked the friendly atmosphere and clear explanations. I had a great time. Thank you."
— Akiko
"I feel so fortunate to have a space to express, create and heal that is so warm, welcoming and nourishing! I liked the plethora of materials, the heartfulness of the hosts, the curated snacks and the calm vibes. Thank you for all that you do! I’m so grateful for this space and your loving care!"
— Seda
(All art and feedback shared with participants' consent.)
"To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go."
— Mary Oliver
from "In Blackwater Woods"