FAQs

An End-of-Life Doula is a non-medical, non-clinical, holistic practitioner who provides dying people and their families with emotional, practical, informational, and spiritual support. We serve as companions on your end-of-life journey so you don’t have to bear the load on your own. We listen deeply. We keep your values and wishes at the forefront. We help process emotions, clarify priorities, and establish care goals so you can navigate this life stage with more ease and control. We’re not here to fix anything or give advice, but rather to support and advocate for you so your end-of-life wishes can become reality.

There are clear boundaries to what an End-of-Life Doula does not do in their scope of work. An EOL Doula does not provide medical, clinical or personal care; administer medications; offer financial or legal advice; provide therapy or mental-health counselling; or make decisions on anyone’s behalf. We don’t replace healthcare teams, therapists or funeral professionals – our role is to support and guide in non-medical ways that enhance comfort and ease.

The best time is when you feel ready – there’s no right or wrong time. The advantage of starting earlier is that there’s time to get to know your needs and hopes before important decisions have to be made. It creates room for clarity and a level of personalization that’s harder to achieve when things are moving quickly or under stress.

Regardless, I can work with you at any stage of your journey: in the very early days when you’ve just received the news of a life-changing diagnosis, at the very late stage during vigil, and anywhere in between. I can also be there after a death for grief support in the days, weeks and months that follow.

When I was a kid, if I dropped a Smartie on the ground I would have to drop another one so the first one wouldn’t be lonely. If there was only one Smartie left, I’d have to crush it so that all the little pieces could keep each other company. That sensitivity and compassion has stayed with me throughout my life.

I try to show up in this work with a lot of tenderness, empathy, and presence. I want the people who work with me to feel extremely comfortable and at ease. I value professionalism, but I also recognize the immense humanity in this work – so, yes, at times I may shed some tears with you. I also believe in transparency, and if there’s something I’m unfamiliar with or don’t know, I’ll tell you and we can figure it out together.

Dying is something we ought to do in community. As your doula, I would provide access to my network of supports and resources as needed. If you choose to work with me, I will be a gentle encourager, walking beside you on your path. And I do have a feisty streak, so don’t be surprised if a little sugar and spice shows up, too!

Not at all. If you’re simply contemplating the end of life and want to start shaping what your best scenario can look like, I would love to work with you. It often starts with Advance Care Planning, which is something every adult can do, even if one is young and healthy (that’s actually a great time to start).

When you reach out, we’ll schedule a complimentary 20-30 minute discovery call via Zoom, FaceTime or phone to learn more about each other and see if I’m the right fit for your needs.

If you want to move forward, I’ll send you an intake form, a service agreement, and payment details. Completing these in advance allows our time together to be focused on your needs.

Once the forms are complete, we’ll schedule our first session which is ideally in person, although I’m flexible if that isn’t possible. From there, we work together at the pace that feels right for you, focusing on what you need in the moment.

I serve Vancouver, North Vancouver and Burnaby for in-person visits. For areas beyond this I offer virtual support via Zoom or FaceTime. If you’re within Metro Vancouver but outside of my core area and physical presence is needed, a fee for travel can be arranged.

Currently, the services provided by an end-of-life doula are not covered under the provincial medical services plan (MSP). Some extended health benefit plans may cover a portion of the cost, but make sure to check with your service provider. The services are otherwise privately funded.

End-of-life doulas are currently not a regulated profession in Canada, but the work is guided by strong ethical standards as laid out by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC). If you’re thinking of working with a doula, you can check if they’ve taken any accredited courses that have been recommended by EOLDAC.