Frequently asked questions.


What is a Grief Doula?
 

A grief doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support to individuals and families experiencing complex and often overwhelming grief and loss.. Unlike therapists or counselors, grief doulas offer non-clinical, holistic support, helping people navigate their emotions, process loss, and find meaningful ways to honor their loved ones. My services include nonjudgmental compassionate listening, ritual creation, legacy projects, end of life planning, creating art, kids yoga, and practical guidance to help individuals cope with grief in their own way.


How can a Grief Doula help me?

A grief doula provides personalized, one-on-one support throughout your grief journey. This includes:

  • Emotional support - Listening to stories of the loss or memories of your loved one

  • Grief education - Helping you understand grief’s stages and your personal experience.

  • Rituals and memorial planning - Assisting with memorial services, rituals, and legacy projects, and creating unique ceremonies to mark a divorce or other major losses.

  • End of Life Planning - providing resources and support in making end of life care decision

  • Post-loss integration - Supporting you in finding a new sense of normal and navigating life after a loss.


What kinds of loss do you support?
 

As a grief doula, I work with individuals and families coping with a variety of losses, including:

  • Death of a loved one (family member, friend, etc.

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth

  • Divorce or separation

  • Chronic illness or long-term health conditions, terminal diagnosis

  • Loss of a beloved Pet

  • Loss of identity or major life change (e.g., career change, empty nest, etc.)


Do I need to be in crisis to work with a Grief Doula?

No. While many people seek support immediately after a loss, grief is a long-term process that can evolve over time. A grief doula can support you both in the immediate aftermath of a loss and months or even years down the road, as you process, heal, and adapt to life without your loved one. Grief knows no timelines and if you are here reading this today, let this be your invitation to begin this work.


How do I know if I need a Grief Doula?

If you are struggling with grief and feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, a grief doula can provide support and guidance. Some signs that you might benefit from grief doula services include:

  • Feeling lost, stuck, or unsure how to move forward.

  • Difficulty processing emotions or feeling emotionally numb.

  • Wanting help creating rituals or memorials for your loved one.

  • Struggling to find a sense of meaning or purpose after a loss.

  • Feeling isolated or disconnected from your usual support system.

  • Feeling like everyone has moved on with their lives, but you have not.

How does a Grief Doula differ from a therapist or counselor?

While therapists and counselors provide mental health care and psychotherapy, a grief doula focuses primarily on the emotional, spiritual, practical, and ritual aspects of grief. Grief doulas provide a more holistic, non-clinical approach to grieving, offering one-on-one support, guidance, and tools for healing. We work collaboratively with therapists, if needed, but our role is to offer a compassionate, person-centered space without providing formal psychotherapy.

How do I know if I need to see a therapist or a counselor?

Some signs that you need professional help maybe persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, extreme fatigue, and significant changes in sleep, appetite, or mood. If you’re experiencing feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s important to seek professional help and support immediately. You are not alone if you are experiencing any of these things after a major event. Please reach out to me for a list of local counselors, chaplins and additional resources.


Do you offer virtual support?

Yes! I offer virtual grief support sessions via phone or google-meet which allows me to provide assistance no matter where you are located. This is especially helpful if you’re unable to meet in person due to distance, health concerns, or other reasons.


How much do your services cost?

My standard rate is $55 per hour. I can also create a custom package for ongoing support, which can be more cost-effective if you require multiple sessions. If cost is a concern, I offer a sliding scale to ensure that my services are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.


How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your individual needs and how you’re progressing through your grief journey. Some clients prefer just a few sessions to get started, while others may require ongoing support over several months. We’ll work together to determine the best course of action and adapt the plan as needed.


Can you help me with memorial planning or rituals?

Yes, I can assist with creating meaningful memorials, ceremonies, and rituals to honor your loved one or the event you walked through. These rituals can be spiritual, secular, or personalized based on your beliefs and needs. I can help guide you through the process of planning a memorial service, create personal rituals for remembrance, and help you find ways to incorporate your loved one’s memory into your daily life.


Will my grief be “fixed” after working with you?

Grief is a deeply personal and ongoing process that cannot be "fixed." However, my role is to help you navigate the grieving journey with compassion and understanding. I’ll work with you to help you process your loss, integrate your loss into your life, and find healing in a way that feels right for you. Everyone grieves differently, and my goal is to empower you to find your own path to healing.


Is grief support only for people who have recently experienced a loss?  

No, grief can happen at any time and may not always be linked to a recent loss. If you’re still processing grief from a loss that happened months or even years ago, I’m here to help. Grief is a complex, non-linear process, and sometimes it takes time for the full weight of a loss to be understood or felt. I offer ongoing support for all stages of grief.


How do I get started?
 

The first step is to schedule a free 30 minute consultation, where we’ll discuss your specific needs and how I can best support you. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to address your emotional, spiritual, and practical needs during the grieving process. I offer both one-on-one sessions and ongoing support, depending on your needs. Go to the inquire tab to get started.