What Does a Doula Do?
A doula is a kind of Sherpa who is a resource for the dying person and their families to assure they have the emotional, physical and psychological support during the dying process. They do not provide medical services, they accompany on the path to dying.
This work evolved from a desire for “conscious dying” or a desire to find peace in the inevitable. This model was developed in 2003 by a social worker who studied the benefits of birth doulas and developed a model for dying people This evolved into an association called the International End of Life Association (INELDA) which provides training and certification for end of life doulas.
This work acknowledges that dying isn’t just a medical process; it’s a spiritual and emotional and psychological one as well. The doula helps the patient and caregivers have conversations about death and loss so that it can be planned out in a way which is meaningful and centered.
Doulas follow a model which consists of 3 phases. The method is patient centered so the patient may choose which aspects they would like to pursue. The doula is with the patient in this planning process, in the implementation of the plan and with loved ones in the initial phases of grief after the person dies.
The phases are as follows:
1. Summing up and Planning. This includes reflection on the person’s life, addresses worries and concerns and considers legacy work for loved ones. Legacy work can include journals, letters or artwork for example.
2. Planning and conducting the vigil. The doula works with the patient to develop a specific, written plan for what happens during the dying process. This includes such things as music to be played, who will be present and what happens to the body after death. This can also include the presence of the doula for the active dying process.
3. Reprocessing Early Grief with Loved Ones. This happens 3-6 weeks after death and is facilitated by the doula. Topics include reflecting on the death process as well as explanations of the grieving process and what it takes to heal well.
About the doula: Patricia Harmon has her masters of social work and was inspired to do this work from her experience with cancer patients as they moved through the dying process.
“As the Executive Director of a cancer support organization, I was honored and touched to be in an informal doula role as patients and their families dwelt with the dying process. I was so profoundly moved by the power of this work that I decided to train formally in this area. I completed training by the International End of Life Association (INELDA) in 2019. I have been able to assist patients and their families through my work with two hospice organizations.”
The patient would contract with the doula to provide whatever services are deemed desirable and appropriate.
Fee Structure
Doula services are based on the needs of the individual and their families; options include an ability to pay per hour ($75.00) or to contract for a specific set of services.
Sliding Fees are available so please do not hesitate to ask!