What is an End-of-Life Doula?
Monica von Känel – Long island end of life doula
There’s a word in German “Sterbehilfe” which means “Help with Dying”. There is someone who can help bring peace, resolve, ease and clarity; who isn’t afraid to speak about death and understands what happens during the dying process and afterwards.
Many people are afraid of dying; leaving behind loved ones, possessions, accomplishments, roles and identities, and of experiencing the unknown. Fear of physical pain may play a role, although dying itself is painless. Realistically, physical pain can be managed quite well. What other pains are there to be considered? The regret of not having resolved everything in one’s life, guilt, and remorse can cause pain; this includes feelings around family, friends, and relationships. I can help you feel peace and resolve and together we can process anything that may be weighing on you.
She’s your advocate, the voice of your wishes when you can no longer express them.
Who is this for?
• If you or a loved one have received a prognosis or diagnosis and you’re wanting support both emotionally and logistically and you want to feel prepared for what’s to come.
• You’re ready to start planning for the future and desire guidance and assistance in navigating decisions around advance directives, end of life plans, legacy projects, or making funeral arrangements.
• You’re grieving or feel anticipatory grief over the loss of a loved one and want to talk to someone who is comfortable talking about uncomfortable subjects and can hold space for your feelings, ease the overwhelm and help you integrate.
• DreamWalker® death transition is for a safe and peaceful journey into the after life.
Meet Monica
I was born and raised in Switzerland and came to the United States in the mid-nineties,
to do volunteer work at Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Meditation Ashram Upstate New
York. I moved to Southampton, where I raised my three children. Once they were
independent my passion turned to teaching Yoga and building a career as a Birth Doula.
I found much satisfaction and gratification in this work, and I’ve been told that my
presence during one of the most challenging life experiences has brought peace, joy
and comfort to the families I’ve worked for.
After a decade and a half of Birth work, as I approach my 60th birthday, my focus once
again expands. I’ve been interested in the End of Life for years, and in many ways
everything I’ve done in my life up until this point was in preparation for this work.