Currently offering virtual death doula care
Before we begin working together, we will meet for a complimentary consultation. This is a time for us to get to know each other. But more importantly, it’s a time for you to share your unique needs and situation. After this consultation, there is no obligation to move forward if you feel we aren’t a good fit.
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. As a death doula, I care for the person who is dying (or engaging with mortality in any sense) and/or the people who are the caregivers.
I am very interested in legacy work, so I created the offering, “Telling Your Story,” where we will meet for interviews in which I ask you questions regarding the story of your life. The end result is a printed, bound book, which can house any important lessons you wish to pass on, or simply record the story of your existence. Pull up a chair, get cozy, and let’s converse about your life over a cup of tea.
If any of my work is of interest to you, reach out so we can discuss your situation.
My Services
You don’t have to be dying (or anywhere close!) to participate in pre-planning. Think of this as “getting your ducks in a row.” Pre-planning is not only incredibly practical, but some aspects can also serve as a cathartic way to process your experience. There is no obligation to continue working with me after this point.
Legacy planning: creating written biographies, a book of treasured family recipes, memory boxes, or other heirlooms to leave behind for your loved ones as a testimony to your life
Exploring your values: what’s important to you both in death and life? Your answers will shape our plan moving forward
Researching and connecting with local resources: there are more options for support than you might think
Choosing your location for care and death, including whether or not this will occur at home or in a care facility
After-death planning: advance funeral arrangements and coordination, including choices surrounding a home funeral, alternative burial options, coordination, and more
Advance care directives: developing a plan with you so your wishes are known to all relevant parties during treatments and hospitalization
Obituary/eulogy writing: developed together according to your wishes
Pre-arranging any other logistics that you would like
Telling Your Story
Transform your history, experiences, and lessons into a printed, bound book of your life’s story.
Through a series of multiple interviews, I will get to know you by providing questions and prompts which will be used to write the story of your life. Think of it as a virtual coffee session where we write your memoir together.
When you tell your story, you’re passing down the record of how you came to be who you are.
In doing so, you’re giving future generations the gift of your history, messages, philosophies, wisdom, and lessons.
This is more than just an endeavor for the future or a pleasant way of passing the time. Research also indicates that this process reduces anxiety and depression while increasing self-esteem.
If you choose to work with me on this project, we will have around 5 – 10 visits where we just…well, talk! These sessions can be as informal as you like. And as a reminder, Telling Your Story is for anyone; it’s not just reserved for the actively dying!
Shortly after the conclusion of our meetings, I will provide you with a printed book of your story. While your book will be bound, the options for printing are pretty boundless. Hardcover or paperback? Illustrations of your own? Personal photos? Custom cover art? All do-able!
The story behind the story.
I’ve always been a writer: fiction, copywriting, advertising, blog posts…you name it. Currently, I write and edit professionally in addition to my other endeavors.
And I’ve always been a listener. People have noted that I’m more interested in asking others questions about themselves rather than talking about myself. I’m fascinated by people. I have a keen desire to understand: about the person, about whatever situation they’re going through, and how everything fits together.
Truly, hearing about “palliative care biographers” is one of the main factors that set me on the path to death work. I think it’s one of the coolest things ever, except it’s not that widespread.
Honestly, I’ve harbored hopes of bringing this biography practice into popularity here in America. This practice is incredibly close to my heart. The very act of telling a story – not just any story, the written, lived experience of another human being – and placing it into a physical, printed book is fascinating to me. It’s the act of transforming the intangible to the tangible. And using it as a therapeutic method no less!
It would be an honor to be a part of this storytelling process with you.
Payment structure
LOW-COST DEATH CARE SUPPORT.
I understand that death work is ultimately heart-work. Death workers and doulas are so desperately needed, but are often under-utilized either due to a lack of awareness around our work, and/or cost limitations. I am sensitive to both realities, especially regarding finances.
Additionally, though I have received extensive training and education within this field of death work, my practical experience has not yet matched my level of training, due to a variety of crazy and personal life circumstances.
Therefore, I temporarily offer my services as a death doula at the low rate of $18/hour. My sessions are often about an hour long, so this means you are receiving full-service care at that price.
I have wrestled long and hard with this issue of making money as a death worker. Sometimes I wonder if it is even ethical to charge anything. But then I take into account the value that a doula can bring, and like any trade, value should be fairly compensated to honor the individual’s work. Honoring (and helping to legitimize the work of death doulas) is ultimately why I chose to charge for my services, and it will be the reason why I eventually increase my rate, with, of course fairness in mind.