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Appalachian Traditions

Death Doula and End of Life Services
in Southern West Virginia
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Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

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Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

Meet Liz

Meditation, Chaplaincy, Death Care

My spiritual journey began while living and working in the Russian Far East in my early 20s. A deep dive into meditation and Buddhism changed my life course forever, and in many ways led me to become more present with the inevitable twists, turns and losses that we experience in life.

During the pandemic, I chose to pursue training in interfaith chaplaincy and have also served as a community spiritual leader, teaching meditation and facilitating small and large groups. Through my experiences as a chaplain, I have had the opportunity to sit with folks by the bedside and with families in deep grief and believe that offering companionship in these moments is an honor and privilege. 

As human beings, our mortality connects and unites us all, and has the power to remind us what truly matters the most, bringing us into deeper presence with our lives, hopes and dreams for ourselves and for the world around us.

Meet Amelia
What is AT?
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Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

What is a Death Doula?

It's a matter of returning to our traditions around end of life care.

Very simply, an end of life doula offers support at a time when many of us most need support, at our own time of transition through dying or at a time when a loved one is crossing that threshold. This support can come in many forms - emotional, educational, spiritual, practical - and to many different degrees. Death doulas offer practical support in terms of providing respite to caregivers, sitting vigil at the bedside and taking care of simple household chores. Educational support can include facilitating conversations among family members about the death and dying process, clarifying end of life wishes and advanced care directives and collaborating with the dying person in creating a legacy project or completing a life story project. Spiritual support can be as simple as encouraging conversations about one's faith journey and sources of spiritual strength, or guiding meditations or imagery sessions during the end stages of life. Oftentimes, end of life doulas can provide a non-anxious presence in the home during what can often feel like a turbulent journey and transition for loved ones of the dying person. Doulas can open the door to uncovering greater meaning, purpose and peace during and through the end of life process.

End of life doulas can be present throughout the dying process to whatever extent the dying person and family feel is necessary. We see ourselves as companions to our clients and their families, and can ultimately serve to demystify the dying process. We often work as a complement to hospice services, and firmly believe that the more support available around the dying process, the better.

What services can an end of life doula provide?

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Provide spiritual and emotional support to the dying person and to family members
Facilitate conversations and clarity about end of life wishes and after-death care
Offer respite to caregivers and a reassuring presence at the bedside

Help in creating a legacy project, writing letters to loved ones, finalizing advanced care directives

Allow for an open and intentional environment to speak about death, the dying process and grief

Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

Testimonials

Liz is a wonderfully thoughtful and sensitive guide and teacher in each of the mediums I have worked with her in (the alexander technique, meditation, and racial sensitivity and awareness training). She is fully willing to explore the big questions that come up in the work she does. If you are looking for someone to walk with you gently on your path as you deepen your relationship to yourself and the world around you, look no further.

~Christina F.

Services
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Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

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Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

Please be in touch if you and your family are seeking support around an anticipated death.
 

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Contact Info

Email
Areas served

Fayette, Nicholas and Raleigh counties

Contact
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