What is a death doula?
A death doula (or end-of-life doula) is a non-medical helper who supports individuals and their families before, during, and after the transition from life to death. As guides who step lovingly into the spaces of death, dying, and grief, doulas offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support through a wide range of services.
Every client is different, but in general, a doula is usually called to assist with documenting end-of-life wishes, planning vigils or funerals, and writing obituaries and creating other legacy projects. Doulas may also specialize in grief support – whether in the early days of grief or long after a person has died.
I provide compassionate and knowledgeable support across the broad spectrum of the end-of-life.
This journey could begin with a terminal diagnosis, or it could begin years before with a desire to explore your relationship with death and mortality. Wherever you may be on this continuum, my role is to help you navigate this tender time by offering emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance.
From assisting with documenting your end-of-life wishes and planning celebrations of life to holding you in a safe and nurturing space while you navigate grief, my intention is to offer comfort and facilitate a personalized experience during this profound and complex transition.
Comprehensive End-of-Life Care & Support Packages
Here's how I can help
This work occurs before death and helps provide a greater sense of relief knowing that “the affairs are all in order.” This package entitles you to any of the following services:
- Advance care planning: Documenting your end-of-life wishes, advance care directives, and planning for your ideal death scenario (vigil crafting)
- Education & resources: Education on death and dying and the path ahead.
- Centralized organization: Preparing and gathering key documents in a central location for an easier planning process.
- Guidance on completing advance directive paperwork
- Death anxiety support, death education and resources for the path ahead: includes navigating the hospice/palliative care landscape
Available in-person and virtually. All services available a la carte.
A large portion of death care involves questions of meaning-making: did I make a difference? What was the point of my life? Legacy work through the documenting of stories gets at the heart of this essential process. This package entitles you to any of the following services:
- Life story book creation: Depending on your situation and circumstances, we may meet for interview sessions so I can gather the information to begin crafting a book of your (or your person’s) life. Sometimes, it makes more sense for you to interview someone and provide me with the recordings. However we choose to proceed, the end result will be a printed, self-published book of stories that becomes a treasured keepsake.
- Life story book creation mini
- Obituary crafting: We will meet for 1-2 sessions so I can get to know you (if the obituary is for yourself) or your person. Then I will write a customized piece that tells the story of your life and illuminates your legacy.
- Funeral, memorial, celebration of life or living funeral planning: Whether or not you are planning a funeral in the immediate aftermath of a death or long before a death has occurred, funeral planning can be an overwhelming process. Let me handle the details and together, we will create a funeral or celebration of life that honors the dead.
I help you document your life’s stories through a series of interview sessions. The end result will be a printed, self-published book that you can pass on as a keepsake of your legacy. The full version of this service can be a lengthy process, conducted over the course of six months or longer. If time is of the essence, or if you prefer working on a shorter project, I offer a condensed life story version that includes 6 1:1 sessions to document your life stories, curated around central themes.
Available in-person and virtually. All services available a la carte.
A fully in-person service offered on a case-by-case basis throughout the Salt Lake City area. Includes:
- Planning and execution of vigil
- Bedside sitting/caregiver respite, light housework and errands as needed
- Caring for a loved one as they die is exhausting. Take a moment to rest while I sit with your person. I am available to assist with light housework, meal planning, and errands. Dying – or watching someone die – is hard work. Let’s remove some of the burden from your shoulders.
- Companionship to the client and to the family
- Compassionate presence for difficult and emotional conversations
Grief is hard. I provide professional and compassionate care while witnessing your unique story and honoring the memory of your person.
- Personalized guidance:
1:1 sessions to hold space for any type of grief. Available virtually worldwide and in-person throughout the Salt Lake City area. Grief support can be continuous or booked as needed.
- Grief education & resources: I may supplement our work together with my hand-selected repository of grief-related education, including books, podcasts, articles, and exercises.
- Processing through writing: If you’re willing, I will incorporate writing as a method of healing and integrating grief with your life – all in your timing.
- Rituals to honor their life: grief likes to move through ritual. I can guide you to craft meaningful rituals of varying scopes to honor their life and find healing.
How We Work Together
I provide support at any time: whether you just received a devastating diagnosis, or whether you are young, in perfect health, or are simply interested in discussing the “taboo” of death with someone who understands.
Before we begin working together, we will meet for a complimentary consultation. This is a time for us to get to know each other and for me to better understand your situation. We will also discuss service fees to ensure clear communication and that we are both aligned on the process and value exchange.
If we are a match, I will prepare a contract for you to review. The contents of our call – including the proposed scope of services – will be clearly outlined within this document. From here, you will sign the contract, I will send an invoice to secure your place in my calendar, and our work together will commence.
Pricing & Commitment to Accessible Care
Death doulas are often under-utilized due to a lack of awareness around our work, and/or cost limitations. I am sensitive to both realities, especially regarding finances. The fees for my services are bespoke packages that are customized to your situation and needs. These packages are built around my $55 hourly rate. If you cannot afford my services, please reach out so we can come to a suitable arrangement.