Death/ Grief Care
For as long as I can remember, I have been curious about death.
As a Thanatologist ( someone who studies death, dying and grief), a Hebrew Priestess, a Death Doula, An End of Life Guide, a Hospice volunteer and former staff, an Integrated Holistic Health Guide, a trauma informed Somatic Healing Practitioner, and a student of the mystery, I am committed to serving and supporting humans through these transitions.
Conversations and practices around grief and death are an essential part of living well and contribute to our healing process. In these times, we ( as a collective) are being called to have authentic conversations, practices and rituals around death, dying and grief ( individual and collective) .
I offer End of Life Support Services ( Death Doula), Community gatherings on grief, and ritual practices, Home Funeral and Natural Burial consults, and more.
- For Community Events and Offerings you can learn more here.
- For individual Death, End of Life & Grief Support Services please contact- contact pleasance@me.com or call 202-257-3544
- Or fill out this interest form.
End of Life Doula Overview
Our Relationship: My philosophy of care is to support the dying, the family, the loved ones. Doula means “woman who serves” and I am honored to be of service in this way. Each relationship is unique and needs will vary. Our conversations may be confidential and/ or you may want things shared with various loved ones. Our ongoing communication is the key to honoring the integrity of your end of life journey.
Doula Services: ( some ideas)
- Legacy planning & projects -things to be remembered by and shared with loved ones eg photo albums, recordings, video, keepsakes
- Ethical wills
- Spiritual, holistic care
- Ritual planning before or after death including ceremonies
- Discussing burial/cremation options
- Helping plan home funerals or other arrangements
- Deep listening – It is not uncommon for those at the end of life to be thinking through, working out and possibly resolving ‘unfinished business” fears, etc
- Tending anticipatory grief
- Meditation, visualizations, gentle touch, breathing practices, soothing reading
- Aromatherapy, natural remedies for stress, comfort and care
- Referrals for additional supports needed or other care services, such as acupuncture, music therapy, massage, faith communities
- Bedside vigil supports and scheduling
- Companionship for the dying and their loved ones
- Support for caregiver(s)
- Curating physical environment to serve and soothe
- Facilitation between family, friends and care support team
- Helping people articulate their story
- Legacy projects —Creating a plan to help understand and navigate the final days and hours.
- Logistical support and coordination with after death professionals ie. Funeral directors, burial/cremation/green burial, faith leaders, executors, estate planners
- Obituary and Eulogy writing
- Provide resources ( books, podcasts, music, etc)
- Post death grief support for caregivers and loved ones
This list is not exhaustive but rather, examples of the care that can be offered.
Pet Death Support
Pet loss can be one of the most devastating losses of our lives.
In honoring and remembering our beloved animals, I support folks in support and services that are rooted in dignity and respect.
I provide death/ grief/vigil planning/ ritual & remembrances for folks who are experiencing the end of life for a pet or have experienced a loss.
Some services include:
- End of Life Planning
- Vigil planning
- Grief Support
- Legacy/ Remembrance Projects
I also offer multiple sessions/ on going support, which can be created & aligned with your needs and can be customized based on the situation and your budget.
Please reach out to discuss in more detail, pleasance@mac.com.
