After All
End of Life Doula
For an empowered, positive, death experience
What is an End of Life Doula?
An End of Life Doula (EOLD) provides non-medical, holistic, support and guidance to individuals and families through times of critical, transformative life change. I think of myself as a project manager who coordinates tailored, supportive services with the goal of creating empowered, positive death experiences. My approach is comprehensive and delves into the emotional and philosophical. Doula support is complimentary to palliative and hospice care.
Who is a Typical Client?
I work with people at all stages of life, and organizations, who want to address, plan for, normalize, and transform how they approach death and dying.
The Death Positive Movement
At the heart of the Death Positive movement is a commitment to changing cultural attitudes towards death. By encouraging openness and transparency, empowering individuals to make end-of-life decisions proactively, and embracing alternative practices, the movement strives to transform how society engages with mortality and, as a result, lives more fully.
About Gina
As an INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association) trained provider, I bring my life-long work in social justice, cross cultural health, and as an artist, to normalize and transform, the way we approach death and grieving. I came to this work while accompanying family and friends through their end of life processes and in facing my own grief. I learned how potent this time can be for healing, growth and transformation. Through creative accompaniment in navigating emotions, logistics, and the unknown, I aim to make this stage of life as full of possibilities and wonder, as the beginning.
Planning for Agency and Autonomy
We'll explore what is most important to you at the end-of-life, and identify what practical and emotional steps you want to take to align this time with your values and purpose. This includes care directives, convening a care team, funeral planning, among other services.
Processing
Through conversation, we'll explore the death experience, meaning, and wisdom that you've gained and would like to pass on, and address unresolved issues for a greater sense of peace. Somatic practices such as breathing, guided meditation, visioning, touch, and movement serve to ease anxiety and stress.
Legacy Project
We'll create a physical, perhaps artistic manifestation of your lived experience. This includes a written or video oral history, a memoirs, an original song, poetry or art work, custom pendants, tree planting, or the creation of annual event or special fund.
Transition Aftercare & Grief
I offer support with options, decision-making and implementation of post transition processes and services. These include funeral, burial, cremation options and alternatives, and processing grief
Vigil Planning & Sitting Vigil
We'll create a Vigil Plan--the flexible document that determines the elements and procedures that people should follow during the final days. This will include the specifics of "Sitting vigil,” the act of being present and implementing the vigil plan during the final days or hours of life.
Conscientious Downsizing & Redistribution
We'll compassionately navigate the overwhelming task of simplifying one's possessions, addressing the practical, and sentimental items that hold meaning and memories.
Please connect by phone, e-mail or text for more information and a consultation.
Goglobalgm@gmail.com. 415 254 2481