History of ADEC

In 1976, a group of interested educators and clinicians organized the Forum for Death Education and Counseling. Over the years, the organization grew to become the Association for Death Education and Counseling® (ADEC). ADEC is the oldest interdisciplinary organization in the field of dying, death and bereavement.

ADEC’s primary goal is to enhance the ability of professionals and laypeople to be better able to meet the needs of those with whom they work in death education and grief counseling.

As a nonprofit organization, the membership is made up of educators, counselors, nurses, physicians, hospital and hospice personnel, mental health professionals, clergy, funeral directors, social workers, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, physical and recreational therapists, health well-being specialists and volunteers. All persons are welcome to join regardless of color, national origin, creed or gender. ADEC works to promote and share research, theories and practice in dying, death and bereavement.

View the list of Past Presidents .