End of life Doula v birth Doula

[EndofLifeDoula]

Lots of families embrace allowing a birth Doula in to their homes at such a special and poignant time. I’d like to offer myself to families facing death, bereavement and support the final journey.

I have lots of experience inc nursing, funeral care, counselling and I’ve completed 2 diplomas in this area of expertise.

I wonder if people would rely on this service when offered and see it as a support function rather than a business?

@ColdBrightClearMorning

“End of life counsellor End of life therapist From the end to the beginning

Happy for suggestions!”

Are you actually a qualified registered counsellor or therapist? As in, you’ve got your level five counselling diploma (you mentioned some diplomas but there are lower end ones you can’t practice with alone) that you’d require to practice independently! Or if you’re considering calling yourself a therapist, what training have you done and which professional body are you registered with?

Yes, I’m qualified and registered as a counsellor although I paused private work when I started my qualifications as a funeral arranger and changed my career path to funeral care.

My plan was to move into mortuary work but I found I enjoyed the family support side more and then had this idea, it is just an idea. I’ve been on MN for years so I knew I would get some honest replies around whether it is a viable support business or whether I should stick with my original plan.

You know, I think an important part of what you're potentially offering is to be a factotum. Which doesn't really come across in the terms counsellor and therapist.

You could do with a term that conveys the logistical advice you're able to give, not just the shoulder to cry on.

Erm, no one knows what factotum means, these days, do they?

Nope!

I think Doula could be the right word as it differentiates a caring/ support role form a medical role

I have a friend who is a birth Doula, who is also interested in becoming a Death Doula (so in Doula world its a common word)

I agree with PP, the importance of a “good death” has been realised in recent years and there has been a movement toward that in terms of policy and practice, though there’s still a lot more work to do. An advocacy role like you describe could be a great thing but there are barriers.

I have worries that the name ‘doula’ is likely to be off putting for many; partly because it is associated with birth but also because it is associated with a middle class, hippy/‘alternative’ lifestyle choice.