End of Life Doula – Monica von Känel

What is an End-of-Life Doula?

There’s a word in German “Sterbehilfe” which means “Help with Dying”. 

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. 

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.

When your mind and heart are at ease, you have a sense of your life purpose and that you have done your best, death comes easy. Much like falling asleep after a long day and you just let go.

Death can be a beautiful and sweet transition; life can end in triumph even though it may not have been perfect. We can enjoy acceptance and completion when it’s time to go. Are you willing to accept the kind of “Sterbehilfe” that helps you resolve, let go and slip away?

The End-of-Life Doula is a person who sees you for who you are now and for who you were throughout your life.  She’s a compassionate, kind and wise being who understands the cycles of life and is a loving guide and companion during your last passage.

Death is your last lived experience. The Doula is committed to honoring you, she’s your advocate, the voice of your wishes when you can no longer express them. She assists you in creating your final journey. Similar to planning a dignified, graceful and precious birth, wedding, anniversary or birthday.

I was a Birth Doula before becoming an End-of-Life Doula. I see the similarities of these major life shifts, into and out of the physical body. The biggest one is that they offer a huge opportunity to expand our awareness and identity beyond the roles we play.  Where we come from, and where we go to, may remain a mystery; what we do know is that we’re never not “us”. There’s no interruption of consciousness when we die. Our true Self is always present, and we get to open to its beauty and comfort in birth and death.

As I help so many in birth, let me help you find peace, so you may glide from one world to the next as if on angel’s wings.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about what happens on our journey after we leave the physical body, and the specific guidance I offer to Souls who have freshly transitioned, check out the DREAM WALKER tab: click here

Set up your free consultation with

To define your needs and create a care plan please fill out the form & I will be in touch.

Monica completed her first End of Life Doula training with Lisa Wolfson, followed by training with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) four years later. In the fall of 2023, she completed hospice volunteer training and bereavement training in spring 2024. Since then, she has volunteered with hospice in home settings and at the Kanas Center in Westhampton. Additionally, she became a Dream Walker through Crimson Circle, learning to accompany the departed into the next realms.