Why did I become a death doula?

While studying sociology at the University of Arizona, I took a class from a Harvard theologist who was working as a chaplain in the local emergency room. She opened my mind to the intersection of society, culture, religion, and death. Around the same time, I discovered Alua Arthur and her pioneering work as a death doula. Immediately, I felt a calm certainty that I was meant to become a death worker. I went on to get a masters degree in social work which allowed me to work as a hospice social worker; this cemented my passion. I have been working with traumatic grief and loss clients as a private practice therapist in Davis County, UT since 2021.

What does a death doula do?

"A death doula offers non-medical and holistic care for the dying person, their circle of support and the community through the process" - Alua Arthur

This support can be unique as your situation is,

I meet clients where they are! You're not meant to do this alone.

CE's A to D Categories of Care

Anticipate

current

Death

Behold

Accept prognosis that signals decline has begun

Post-death care: disposition, bereavement and probate

Get your affairs in order, make wishes known

Actively dying, death is imminent

• Sitting Vigil
• Music and touch
• Energy work
• Rituals of connection
• Anticipatory grief and caregiver support
  

• Create Living Will
• Select POA/Proxy
• Collect/organize documents
• Ritual and Legacy building
• Discuss EOL plans
  

• Solidify EOL plans
• Share rituals and memories
• Emotional preparations
• Ritual and Legacy building
• Caregiver support
• Attend to 'words unsaid'
  

• Bereavement Support
• Probate Process
• Legacy projects & mourning in action