Meet the Chaston Centre Founders

My name is Karen Chaston, and I’m the Co-Founder of “The Chaston Centre.”

When Lauren (a client) visited her doctor for a routine check-up, the transformation was immediately noticeable. “What have you been doing? You seem different—taller, radiant and evidently more confident,” her doctor remarked, impressed by the changes. Following this observation, the doctor decided to reduce Lauren’s anti-depressant dosage.

This moment was a significant affirmation for me; it underscored the effectiveness of the Chaston Centre programs, which are designed for embracing life and love daily, advocating for a balanced approach across the Chaston Centre’s four pillars, aimed at helping individuals to navigate and transcend loss, with newfound clarity and reduced anxiety.

Though unfortunately I did not always have this “beyond loss” wisdom…………

My career trajectory was firmly within the corporate sphere.  As a Chief Financial Officer of a publicly listed company, I juggled the demands of work, family life and the trappings of success, all whilst coping with the mounting stress that these responsibilities entailed. This relentless pursuit was abruptly interrupted in July 2011 by the devastating loss of my 27-year-old son, Dan, an event that took place tragically at my back door.

In the aftermath of Dan’s funeral, I returned to my role as a CFO role, immersing myself in work with even greater intensity and seeking refuge in unhealthy coping mechanisms. This period of my life was marked by a profound disconnect from my own well-being, a pattern that persisted until a transformative wake-up call came in the form of redundancy 15 months later, as a result of a company merger.

This unexpected turn of events offered me a pivotal moment of reflection, leading me to confront the stranger in the mirror and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It was during this time that I felt Dan’s presence and guidance more strongly than ever, inspiring the creation of The Chaston Centre. Together, we developed initiatives that encompass programs, webinars, books, podcasts and TV shows, all designed to share the wisdom gained from my transformation.

At the core of The Chaston Centre’s mission and its programs is my own transformative journey—from a life once marked by routine and neglect of self-care, to becoming a beacon of hope and renewal as an internationally recognised expert on overcoming loss, a bestselling author and a global speaker. Every chapter of my life, with its highs and lows, joys and sorrows, has equipped me with invaluable insights and the wisdom needed to ensure that no one else has to find themselves alone, struggling to rise from the depths of despair and navigate through the aftermath of a devastating loss. My experiences serve as the foundation from which I offer guidance and support, helping you to rebuild a life filled with hope, purpose and vibrancy.

My guiding principle is simple yet profound: “Life is too fleeting to be held captive by any form of loss. Discover the blessings within and design a life that is both lived and loved, each and every day.”