Doula Services

No platitudes.
All gratitude.
Great attitude.

I’m here to be a safe presence. To offer you an objective sounding board where you’re free to express your needs and wishes.

To create space for you to spend time with your loved ones. To present options and help with the logistics, so that we can make your wishes happen.

“Dying is not an act you can easily undertake yourself. If being born amid those who will love you is the first best hope of life, dying within a community is the last.

Toolis, 2017:60

Compassion, Comfort, and High-Quality Care

When you need:

help with planning your death
information about difficult choices
someone who can relieve a primary caregiver
insight into green burial options
guidance for planning your own funeral

Everyone can use a little comfort, no matter their age. Many of my clients appreciate guided meditation, mindfulness sessions, and music therapy. And I can arrange additional comfort support such as massage therapy or Reiki sessions. It’s really up to you.

Sometimes it’s about holding a sacred space, having the music you like playing, watching your favorite TV show, or flipping through photos and telling stories. Again, it’s really up to you.

Discover the problems a death doula can help solve in my article What is a Death Doula?

Types of Doula Services

Planning and Logistics

Paperwork is one of those things many of us put off. Sometimes it’s because we find the topic too difficult. I’m here to help with that.

I can help you stay informed about your choices, complete your advance directives, and remind you why there’s no time like the present to make sure your wishes will be honored when the time comes.

I have seen the fallout from no paperwork. I do not want that to happen to you or your loved ones.

The Hollywood sign in the far with palm trees in the foreground.

Communicating and Listening

One of the most important parts of my job is to listen actively to you, to hear what you have to say, hold what you say in private trust, and help you communicate with those who need to know.

Sometimes that’s your medical support team. Sometimes it’s your family and inner circle. Sometimes my role is to just let you be heard and get things off your chest.

Learn about the ways we can arrange for me to speak to your support team.

Tyler Perry's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Legacy Projects and Life Review

Creating memorials and celebrations of life can happen at any time.

Legacy projects can include: a life review, letter writing to friends and loved ones, memoirs, scrapbooks, artwork, photo books or collages.

Lifeguard stand on Venice Beach in Los Angeles.

Rituals, Ceremonies and Funeral Options

Ceremonies and rituals can also happen at any time during the dying process. Sometimes they’re for the person dying. Sometimes they’re for the people losing them.

I provide spiritual support that is centered on your beliefs and practical help for those planning their own funerals or ceremonies.

We can work together to write the obituary or eulogy, select music you want to include, create a slideshow as a legacy project to show at the ceremony or at another time.

Palm trees against a blue sky in Los Angeles.

Accompanying the Dying and End-of-Life Care

Whether you’re in a hospice care facility, planning to die at home, or in the hospital, I’ll be there. During the period leading up to and the actual time of death I’ll provide a calming and reassuring presence. This will free up your family, to just be family.

We’ll discuss your options in advance. If you want certain music playing, would like for certain people to be present, would like to die in a particular room of your house, would like a very nice glass of wine. I’ll make sure your wishes are honored and your family is cared for.

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After Death and Grief or Bereavement Support

When someone in your life dies the emotional pain can be overwhelming. Grief is normal, but it can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions and friends and family sometimes just don’t get it. You’re not alone.

Here’s what I can do to help:

  • Tackle some of your daily tasks, so you can take the time you need.
  • Work with you to create rituals that memorialize your loved one and commemorate their life, so you can keep their memory alive.
  • Help you to expand your circle of support, so you can be heard without judgment.
  • Listen to you and spend time with you, so you don’t feel alone.
  • Share mindfulness activities, so you can begin to feel less turmoil.

My father was dying during lockdown. By the time he actually came to pass, we had a vaccine. Dad suffered from APHASIA and could not communicate via telephone, zoom, or computer. I spent a year and a half outside my Dad’s window at an assisted living home. By the time the facility allowed me to enter my Dad’s room, there were two weeks left to his life. Thank God I had a Death Doula. And thank God that Doula was Tolley.

My family had a plan that consisted of my step-mother being bedside and my participation being secondary. As we prepped for my father’s death, it became apparent to Tolley that our family plan may not play out as thought.

Tolley and I prepared for literally 15 different possible end of life scenarios and I was able to exhibit grace and space while recognizing everyone’s individual grieving pattern.

To this day, I am amazed at how peaceful I was when indeed Dad died and the plan went awry. It was a powerful space to be in and it healed me in unexpected ways that continue to this day. In my working with a Doula, it didn’t just benefit me. It benefited everyone I came in contact with. It benefited my Father as I knew what questions to ask and most importantly I was prepared.

Jennifer

Loving Daughter

Doula Fees

My fees are based on the services offered and can be tailored to your individual needs.

During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss the options and your needs to come up with a plan. I present you with a bid of services where you can choose to pay by the hour or select a package of services. It is always more cost effective to book a package.

Payment plans available.

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