OFFERINGS

MENTORING & COACHING

Change and upheaval is inevitable. Our lives are being altered on a daily basis through each decision we make. These changes are barely detectable and have little or no effect on how we go through our days.

Big changes aren’t as easy. Making the transition between a known constant to an unknown can be unsettling for some but overwhelming and even debilitating for others. Our once well-defined identity, purpose, goals, wishes and dreams become out of focus and distorted. Some of these big changes include a diagnosis of a serious illness, empty nesting, downsizing, retirement and death of someone close, to name a few.

By combining the optimal features of both mentoring and coaching, tailored guidance and support brings life back into focus. Physical symptoms of anxiety and depression subside. Personal goals are reset with a renewed, lighter sense of self. The prospect of navigating new challenges down the road is accepted with confidence and grace. Relationships are improved and the simplicity of happiness enhanced.

TERMINAL ILLNESS & END OF LIFE

Dying is the most challenging thing you will ever do. Witnessing the dying of someone you love can be extremely difficult as well, even traumatizing for some. I strive to provide more positive experiences and outcomes by weaving intention, purpose and meaning into the fabric of people’s lives, no matter how much time remains.

Throughout the years of working with the dying and their families, I have watched, listened and learned. The services offered below directly reflect my distinctive strengths, experience and expertise.

As each person brings a unique set of circumstances, all offerings are tailored to meet individual needs. Compassionate care and support is provided exactly where you are, whether a private residence, assisted-living or long-term care facility, hospital or hospice.

All support is provided to the highest professional and ethical standards in direct alignment with the Codes of Ethics and Scopes of Practice of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC) and the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) (USA).

Planning and preparation for end of life encompasses so much more than funerals and estate matters. While having plans and necessary documentation in place for both is significant, other pressing issues require attention as well.

Upon receipt of a terminal diagnosis, ascertaining what is now truly important becomes priority. Personal wishes are identified as well as important religious, traditional or cultural practices to be implemented as death draws near. From this wealth of information a detailed, comprehensive plan is designed and put in place.

As people approach end of life, feelings of regret and unfinished business often surface and take control. People can become stuck here by overthinking and even obsessing, leading to severe anxiety and depression. Gentle guidance and care provide clarity and the opportunity to reflect and often act upon various aspects without feeling overloaded.

Sitting vigil with the dying is being physically present as they live out their last moments, hours or days. This can be an extremely difficult time for family yet at the same time, most comforting to the dying person. Vigil support is available in two ways: being with the family during the vigil or sitting vigil in the absence of the family.

There are times when it is physically impossible to be with someone during their dying time. An person’s condition can deteriorate without warning and the call to family may find them out of town, province or even the country. Sometimes family is nearby but unable to cope with the situation or desperately need a break due to physical and emotional exhaustion.

In any circumstance, support is provided by conducting a bedside vigil, in which the space is one of warmth and compassion. When family is present for the vigil, questions about the dying process are encouraged as knowledge and awareness help dissolve fear and dispel misconceptions, resulting in a rich end of life experience for all those involved.

Increasing numbers of people are finding MAiD the right choice for them. It is an extremely personal decision that involves deep introspection. There are times when family members are not able to support this decision due to their own morals and religious beliefs, which may cause or reinforce dejection and isolation within the dying person. More often that not however, understanding and support is given. In any situation, offered here is non-judgmental, compassionate support to those choosing MAiD, from the moment of being approved through the day of provision.

From the time of being approved for MAiD, open and honest conversation addresses unresolved fears, expectations and any unanswered questions. As with Planning and Preparation above, a detailed, comprehensive plan is designed that consists of personal wishes leading up to and including the day of provision. On the day of provision the space is thoughtfully prepared and those in attendance, if any, are fully supported.

The bond we have with animals is undeniable. When a great deal of time has been spent with animals, such as in pet and owner relationships, that bond is fortified, unconditional and nearly indestructible. When illness and death enter the picture, agonizing realizations and difficult decisions are forefront. When a fatal accident occurs or following a quick unforeseen illness, the shock of a pet’s sudden death can be completely destabilizing. Adding insult to injury, people’s feelings are often diminished regarding the pet’s death, causing even more emotional pain and complicated grief healing.

Support is provided to help navigate the difficult decisions and be physically present, with or without the owner or other family members, as the animal is being euthanized. In circumstances where the animal’s death is imminent at home, vigil support eases the dying process for the animal and reassures their owner and family. Tools for grief healing are utilized throughout, allowing for a less daunting bereavement period.

The flowers have wilted, phone calls and visits have dwindled and the silence is deafening. The events in the last weeks or months keep replaying over and over in a distant, surreal sort of way. Every day tasks seem overwhelming and the tears keep falling.

Grief is in response to loss – loss of a loved one, loss of purpose, loss of identity, loss of security, loss of faith, to name a few. The more impactful a loss is, the deeper the grief can be. Grief affects us physically, emotionally and spiritually, which in turn can be harmful to ourselves as well as destructive to our relationships with others.

There is no time limit on one’s grief, nor a mandate on how best one should express their grief. Some people are able to process their own grief while others need help. Others find themselves somewhere in the middle, depending on the day or occasion.

Wherever you are, you will be met with the tools that gently guide you out of the darkness to keep moving forward.

Let’s Get Started

In order for me to understand how to fully support your needs, let’s schedule a call to get the conversation started. The call is complementary and will last approximately 30 minutes. During the call you will get a feel for who I am, how I work and have the opportunity to ask lots of questions.

***NOTE: If your person is actively dying and you would like someone there with them even if you are not, please call or text 403.680.6441 for immediate assistance.