Death Doula Services
I honor the sacred journey of death as a powerful transition rather than an end. As a death doula, my role is to guide both those departing and their loved ones with deep spiritual and psychological awareness. Together, we navigate the death journey in a way that honors the life lived, acknowledges the grief of survivors, and creates space for growth and recovery.
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 move through this passage with dignity and peace of mind. This involves facilitating conversations about death, providing comfort, and holding space for their transition. I also work closely with those impacted by loss; supporting them before, during, and after the passing of a Beloved.
I understand death as a natural part of the cycle of life—one that offers an opportunity for profound reflection, connection, and transformation. This understanding informs my work, and my focus is on providing holistic care to those transitioning and those who remain.
Supporting the Dying
Each individual’s death journey is unique, and I approach this as a sacred process requiring the utmost care. Whether one is seeking emotional clarity, spiritual guidance, or practical preparations, I offer personalized support to meet their needs. Services may include:
- Creating a peaceful, supportive environment where open conversations about death and the afterlife can occur.
- Offering rituals and ceremonies tailored to the spiritual needs of the dying, including cleansing/grounding, protection, or guiding them towards peace and closure.
- Facilitating legacy work, such as life reviews, the creation of memory books, or organizing goodbyes with family and friends.
I work to ensure that this transition is one of grace, acceptance, and Love. My goal is to create a space where the dying can feel safe, seen, and supported.
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 grieving process for survivors. Grief can feel isolating, but it does not have to be navigated alone. I support those left holding the weight of their 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.
- Rituals of remembrance and healing: Customized ceremonies to honor the departed, bring closure, and begin the journey toward healing.
- Guidance on navigating emotions: Educating survivors on how to approach their grief with compassion and patience, 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
In addition to my one-on-one services, 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, gratitude, or providing resources for those in greater need.
For one-on-one death doula services or grief support, please contact me directly to schedule a consultation at solaris@solarisism.org.