Death Doula

What is a Death Doula?

A death doula is a non-medical support person who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance through the end-of-life process. My role is to be present for the dying, helping them transition from life on Earth with dignity and peace of mind. This involves having conversations about death, providing emotional support, and walking with them through the process of arranging their affairs. I also work closely with those impacted by loss; supporting them before, during, and after the passing of a loved one.

I understand death as a natural part of the cycle of life—one that offers an opportunity for deep reflection, connection, and transformation. With this understanding, my focus is on being a stable presence and providing gentle, informed support to those who are dying and those who remain.

Supporting the Dying

Each individual’s death journey is a unique, sacred process requiring the utmost care. Whether one is seeking emotional clarity, spiritual guidance, or material preparations, I offer personalized support to meet their needs. Support may include:

  • Creating a peaceful, supportive environment where open conversations about death and the afterlife can occur.
  • Ceremonies tailored to the spiritual needs of the dying, including cleansing/grounding, protection, or guiding them towards peace and closure.
  • Legacy work, such as life reviews, the creation of memory books, or arranging goodbyes with family and friends.

Supporting Survivors

The death of a loved one is one of the most challenging emotional experiences we face. My role as a death doula also includes supporting the survivors. Grief can feel isolating, but it does not have to be held alone. I support those left with the weight of loss, offering:

  • One-on-one grief support: Heart-to-heart conversations to help survivors process emotions, memories, and the difficult questions that arise during times of loss.
  • Ceremonies of remembrance and healing: Customized ceremonies to honor the departed, bring closure, and begin the journey toward healing.
  • Education: Educating survivors and providing resources on how to approach grief and challenges that may arise in the wake of a loss, allowing space for both sorrow and recovery.

Grief is a transformative experience, and it’s through this transformation that new understandings of life, love, and purpose can emerge. My goal is to provide survivors with the tools and support they need to navigate this journey at their own pace.

Workshops on Death and Grief

I also lead educational workshops designed to deepen understanding of death and grief. These workshops offer a space for learning, healing, and community connection, allowing participants to explore these topics in a safe and welcoming environment. Current workshops include:

  • Deathly Awareness: This workshop explores the spiritual, psychological, and practical aspects of death, helping participants become more comfortable with the topic and better prepared to navigate the dying process for themselves and their Beloveds. “Deathly Awareness” has been hosted in the Twin Cities Metro Area and Chicago, Illinois, as well as virtually.
  • Grief and Healing Circles: A collaborative space for survivors to come together, share their stories, and explore the grieving process in community.
  • Introduction to La Santa Muerte: A workshop that honors the Mexican personification of Death, offering guidance on how to acknowledge and work with this energy in a respectful and healing manner.

These workshops provide practical tools, spiritual insight, and emotional support, allowing individuals to navigate both their personal relationship with death and the grief that follows.

Offerings for Services

To make my services as accessible as possible, I offer a sliding scale from $1 – $150 for survivor support and $50 – $500 for death support. Workshops are largely donation based.

Non-monetary offerings are also welcomed, whether through acts of service, exchange of services, or providing resources for those in greater need.

For death support, please contact me directly to schedule a consultation at solaris@solarisism.org.