Passing With Presence

Who can guide you in making these plans? What else might be offered?

This is where End-of-Life Doulas shine. We are part of a mission focused on advancing/returning our culture to a greater comfort level around talking about & planning for individual death and dying issues. Some have additional skills to offer, such as energy work, massage, essential oils, guided imagery, playing music, singing, etc. We seek to find ways to serve specific to your needs and desires. We support you and your loved ones through your journey.

Services each Doula offers vary. Many of us have skills ranging from helping with pre-planning in the absence of a terminal diagnosis (this can be the BEST place to start), supporting and guiding through the dying process, vigils, after-death care, funeral/memorial service planning, and bereavement support to name a few.

An End-of-Life Doula Assists with Personalized Pre-Planning for and Navigating through the Dying Process

End-of-Life Doulas are trained individuals who provide non-medical, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their family.

End-of-Life Doulas are also known as Soul Midwives or Death Doulas. Those of us certified through Conscious Dying Instiitute have graduated from the Sacred Passage Doula program. "Sacred" may hold different connotations depending on one's beliefs. It may have religious or spiritual meaning, or simply mean "great respect and honor." The purpose of all Doulas (Birth, Post-Partum, and Death) is to help guide individuals and their families/support people through major life transitions in the ways that are most meaningful to them.

Doulas provide emotional support, education, resources, and insight into how you may choose to approach death feeling more empowered.

Most of us have given little thought to our inevitable death. The Death Rate is 100% yet the easiest path is that of least resistance, and we often defer such topices to "when that time comes."

Unfortunately, for many, the time comes sooner than they expect and with few or no plans made at all. This often finds them feeling lacking in energy, overwhelmed, and with no sense of control. For these reasons, the most optimal time to start planning is before we are in the throes of turmoil.

It's never too early to start learning how we can "take hold of the reins," to steer our own destiny to the extent possible.

End-of-Life Doulas are trained to bring you to a place of mindful presence and to guide you in imagining the best ending you might have. These plans may include what is most important to you physically (body and environment), emotionally, and spiritually, as well as exploring what you would most like to leave as your legacy, and what kind of after-death care you would like.

If you or your loved ones would like to plan a Vigil, some End-of-Life Doulas offer these services.

End-of-Life Doulas can also be hired to work with those who have a progressive, chronic, or life-altering illness that may not be terminal.

Some End-of-Life Doulas offer services to guide you in considering options and completing Advance Directives (Healthcare Proxy and Living Will forms) specific for your state of residence.

Though Doulas may have a professional background in Nursing, Social Work, or Chaplaincy, we are not serving as medical providers. We can be a valuable adjunct to Hospice, your medical staff, and/or caregivers. Hospice staff and volunteers are limited in the amount of time they are able to spend with the patient. We provide another set of eyes and ears assessing for the patient's needs.

The End-of-Life Doula movement is focused on active listening with open hearts, nurturing clients and encouraging them to open their own hearts as they travel this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

We are your guides and also companions along the way.