End of life doula services

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An end-of-life doula provides heart-centred, nonmedical care to those approaching death, respecting their unique wishes and path. Central to this role is the belief that everyone deserves to die with dignity, awareness, and control. Conscious dying means planning according to one’s values—deciding where death occurs, who is present, how symptoms are managed, and what emotional or spiritual support is needed. Doulas provide gentle guidance and presence to create a peaceful and meaningful space.

Vanessa’s experience as a full-time carer for her husband while raising their young children deeply informs her work. She understands the importance of agency, comfort, and dignity in dying. Vanessa brings lived wisdom and compassionate presence, honouring each person’s sacred passage with love, choice, and meaning.

Vanessa supports individuals and families as they navigate the empowering process of advanced care planning, helping them clearly express their wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care. She guides clients in understanding advance directives to ensure their preferences are honoured with dignity and respect. Vanessa also offers compassionate support and practical advice on funeral planning, helping clients explore meaningful and personalised options. While she does not provide legal advice, Vanessa helps clients recognise relevant documents and encourages consulting legal professionals when needed. Her support is available to anyone seeking to plan with confidence and clarity.

Vanessa offers compassionate bereavement support through expressive arts therapies and ritual, providing a gentle space to explore and express grief. Her approach helps clients connect with emotions that may be difficult to articulate, using creative expression and meaningful rituals. This person-centred approach honours grief in personal ways, nurturing acceptance, inner strength, and peace.  Vanessa offers a grounded environment of acceptance and trust, respecting each unique journey.