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Providing practical & emotional support to those courageously saying goodbye to independence, health or life
Are you wondering what a "Doula" is and what services they provide?
The word "Doula" is derived from the Greek and has come to mean "a person that serves." Today, it's associated with the services a Birth Doula or Death Doula provides. However, there are numerous other life events that a Doula will support someone like you and your family through.
Here at Courageous Goodbyes® I've defined a Doula as "a certified non-medical professional who serves and journeys alongside others." We specialize in serving those who have received a terminal diagnosis. As we journey alongside our clients and their loved ones we educate, advocate and liaise as we support them. We also specialize in the support and companionship of seniors, especially those in the midst of grief. We meet families where they're at on the journey of life. We support them in articulating their values, needs and goals to empower them all to live and enjoy days filled with life.
On a personal note, as a certified Doula in both Eldercare and End-of-Life, I am trained to support the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of my clients and those they love. In addition, by passing the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance's (NEDA) proficiency assessment; I earned their classification as a "NEDA Proficient" End-of-Life Doula.
I'm frequently asked what makes the Doula approach different from that of other service providers? In my opinion, it's the authentic relationship that naturally develops from a Doula's family centric services. A Doula's services are organic and unobtrusive; not task or time oriented. A Doula has the ability to meet each family member where they're at in the circumstances of their family's unique journey. A Doula does not judge or try to influence from their own personal perspectives. The Doula's focus is to minimize a family's stress levels with their practical and emotional support.
For the dying and their loved ones, it's supporting them as they face their fears and a myriad of overwhelming emotions. It's educating them so they can make informed decisions, mitigate misunderstandings and alleviate burdens during a time of emotional crisis. It's being a trusted, reassuring, consistent presence throughout the entire end of life journey and beyond. It's encouraging the dying person to create a sacred space they feel comfortable in, even if it's outside of the home, so they can share final memories, embrace the bittersweet gifts of the journey and to prepare for their courageous goodbyes.
My hope is that you will find our website informative and encouraging to muster up the courage to have what is often thought of as an uncomfortable and off putting conversation with your family and friends. I hope you can see the value of preparing for the senior years or the end of life in a time of calm when you can reflect and discover the variety of options available to you. It's overwhelming to be forced into a quick decisions in the midst of a crisis filled with emotion and most likely fear.
If you would like more information on how Courageous Goodbyes® can be of service, please reach out to me.
Beverley Shiels, CECD, CEOLD - NEDA Proficient
CEO and Founder of Courageous Goodbyes®