Wings of a Dragon

The term “doula” comes from the Greek word for “servant,” and death doulas embody this role by offering compassionate care, guidance, and advocacy during the dying process. Unlike hospice or palliative care providers who focus on medical needs, death doulas address emotional, spiritual, logistical concerns and legacy work. Their primary goal is to help individuals and families experience a death that aligns with their wishes, values, and beliefs. 

Death doulas play a crucial role in demystifying death and creating a space for meaningful, personalized end-of-life experiences. Their services can be broken down into several key areas: 

Facing one’s mortality can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Death doulas provide a calm, empathetic presence to help individuals process their emotions, fears, and questions about dying. They listen without judgment and offer reassurance, creating a safe environment for clients to express their thoughts and feelings.

For families, death doulas can help mediate difficult conversations and navigate the complexities of grief. They encourage open communication, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported during this emotional time.

Many people confront spiritual or existential questions at the end of life. Death doulas help individuals explore these questions and find peace, whether through religious practices, rituals, or personal reflection. They respect and honor the client’s beliefs, creating a sacred space for them to connect with their spirituality or find meaning in their journey.

Death doulas often assist with the practical aspects of dying, such as:

• Helping individuals create advance directives and living wills.
• Planning for funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life.
• Coordinating with hospice, palliative care teams, or other service providers.
• Organizing personal belongings and ensuring that sentimental items are preserved.

By handling these logistical details, death doulas relieve stress for both the individual and their loved ones, allowing them to focus on spending quality time together.

A significant aspect of a death doula’s role is helping clients create a legacy that reflects their life and values. Legacy work can take many forms, including:

• Writing letters to loved ones.
• Compiling photo albums or memory books.
• Recording personal stories or messages.
• Creating art, music, or other meaningful expressions.

These projects provide a sense of purpose and allow individuals to leave behind something tangible for their loved ones to cherish.

As death approaches, death doulas often provide a comforting presence during the final hours or days. This may involve sitting bedside, holding a hand, or offering soothing words. For families, a death doula’s presence can be a source of reassurance, helping them navigate the physical and emotional changes that occur during the dying process.

While death doulas work alongside hospice and palliative care providers, their role is distinct. Medical professionals focus on managing pain, symptoms, and clinical needs, whereas death doulas address the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of dying. Together, they form a holistic support team that honors the full spectrum of end-of-life experiences.

One key difference is the amount of time death doulas can spend with clients. Unlike busy medical staff, death doulas often have the flexibility to provide extended, personalized care, building deep connections with those they serve.

A death doula can bring numerous benefits to individuals and families facing end-of-life challenges. Some of the most significant include:

• Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Death doulas help normalize conversations about dying, reducing the stigma and fear surrounding death.
• Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Their compassionate support fosters a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the face of grief and loss.
• Personalized Care: Death doulas tailor their services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, ensuring that their wishes are respected.
• Stronger Family Connections: By facilitating open communication and providing guidance, death doulas help families come together during a profoundly emotional time.
• A Meaningful Death: With the support of a death doula, individuals can approach death with dignity, comfort, and a sense of fulfillment.

I have researched and practiced many traditions over my lifetime.  My baseline is spiritual, but my training comes from many backgrounds from being raised Catholic, to university religion studies, past experiences with a few covens, which included death ceremonies as a Hekatean High Priestess, and many other high energy work practices to keep it short. 

Over many years I discovered my calling was complex but it often landed within certain areas dealing with life and death while working with people. animals, plants and nature. I have dealt with many forms of death and trauma, including extreme life situations when change comes in like a form of death that often causes trauma. I am also a survivor of NDE (near death experience).

I am always open for any ideas to personalize the needs of all I work for.  Some extra things I offer are..

--Creative arts from an experienced multimedia freelancer. I can help you discover that unique piece for memorial.

--Reiki and/or other energy work for ceremonies, rituals, or meditational work.

--I love teaching others how to care for themselves naturally during life's challenges through herbalism as a master herbalist and botanist.

-- As a trained massage therapist, I can offer guidance and teaching on massage techniques that are useful during difficult transitions.

-- I offer tailored Pet Doula services as well!

My prices are competive but I also strive to keep costs low, especially during hard times. Feel free to contact me and we can tailor a program unique for you.