Transforming Grief
with Shanti Vani
MEET SHANTI VANI
Transforming Grief Specialist
My Story
In life, I have suffered many losses -- loss of safety, hope, trust, self- respect, health, mental health, divorce, moving, pets, and job. Deaths in the family include six high school friends who died in a single car accident, a friend with AIDS, another friend to suicide, both parents with heart disease and dementia, two young great grandsons, daughter with depression and addiction and sister to homicide.
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In 1978, I was hospitalized in a state psychiatric institution after an extended period of serious trauma and loss. I was labeled "schizophrenic" and forced into "treatment" at Westborough State Hospital in Massachusetts. I had given birth to four babies and was suffering extreme anxiety while separated from them. In '79, I moved to Gainesville Florida with my young daughters, where I eventually found refuge and peace. I worked cleaning houses, as a nanny, owning a Family Child Care Home, and as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in an area hospital.
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As a single mother, I did my best to raise my children throughout the journey. It wasn't easy and they suffered, too. In fact, my daughter Naomi died at the age of 38 after a lifelong struggle with addicton and depression.
Through the work of Transforming Grief, I have been able to forgive myself and others in my life for many painful events and misdeeds. I have learned about how grief and trauma are passed down from one generation to the next and I am doing my best to break the cycle in my family and community.
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Even in the midst of traumatic events, there were moments when I hoped that one day, I would be able to help someone else. Now, that day has come. In November 2020, I was certified through the Grief Recovery Institute as a Grief Recovery Specialist.
Currently, I facilitate my own unique curricula. The 8-week programs are Transforming Grief - An Evolutionary Process and First Responders Speak.
Also, I teach two 4-week programs. They are all titled Transforming Grief - Supporting Young People and Transforming Grief - Peer to Peer.
These programs can be done either in groups or individually, in-person or on Zoom, depending on the need. For more info, please visit the Programs page.
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I want to thank all the people in my life who have helped me to have hope. So many people have inspired, guided and challenged me along the way.
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In these trying times, it is so hard to find effective help. In the Transforming Grief Community, we have a safe place to gather for mutual support.
Please feel free to text, call or email.
Text/Phone: 352-225-1385
Email: shantivani@cox.net
To view a brief video about my story of loss, click:
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My Credentials
Megan Devine's Grief Care Professional Certificate
The After Institute - May 2023
QPR (Suicide Prevention Training)
Florida LEADS Project - December 2021
WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
Copeland Center - November 2021
Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist Training
Grief Recovery Institute - January 2021
Grief Recovery Method Specialist Training
Grief Recovery Institute - November 2020
Counseling Grief Clients Certificate
PESI, Inc - October 2020
Trauma and Addiction Certificate
The Meadows Behavioral Healthcare - October 2020
Hospice Volunteer Training
Haven Hospice ET York Center - 2018
End of Life Doula Training (INELDA)
International End of Life Doula Association - June 2018
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options of North Central Florida - March 2017
A.S. Degree in Respiratory Care
Santa Fe Community College - December 2008
Child Development Associate Certificate
Council for Professional Regulation - February 2003
Art of Play Therapy Certificate
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work - June 2002
