“I Didn’t Know What an End-of-Life Doula Was — Until I Needed One” | Balance & Bliss Therapy

"I’ll be honest — I didn’t know what an end-of-life doula was until my family needed one. When my father’s health began to decline, we were suddenly faced with unfamiliar decisions, emotions, and questions. The doctors were compassionate, and the hospice team was incredible — but something still felt missing.

We needed someone who could guide us through the human side of this process — someone who could help us understand, slow down, and be present."

What Is an End-of-Life Doula?

"Before this experience, I thought doulas only supported childbirth. I didn’t realize there were also doulas who specialize in helping individuals and families during the final stages of life.

An end-of-life doula — sometimes called a death doula — provides non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their loved ones. They help create a plan for comfort, facilitate meaningful conversations, and hold space for the feelings that arise when facing mortality.

It’s not about medicine — it’s about presence."

How an End-of-Life Doula Can Help Our Family

"Gently guiding families through conversations about what mattered most — my dad’s wishes, his fears, and his hopes for how he wanted to be remembered. She encouraged us to share stories, create memory books, and plan peaceful rituals for when the time came.

When words became too heavy or too hard to find, she brought calm. Through Reiki sessions, grounding exercises, and quiet moments of reflection, it helped us all feel connected — even as we were letting go.

It wasn’t just about helping my dad die well; it was about helping us all live through it with grace and compassion."

Why Every Family Should Know About End-of-Life Doulas

End-of-life doulas are not replacements for hospice or medical care — they’re partners in compassion.

They work alongside existing care teams to provide emotional and practical continuity that often gets lost in clinical settings.

For families, that can mean:

• Guidance in understanding the dying process

• Emotional and spiritual support

• Help creating legacy projects or goodbye rituals

• Gentle presence for loved ones feeling overwhelmed

• Support before, during, and after death

Having a doula means that no one has to go through it alone.

A Gentle Presence in Life’s Final Chapter

"Looking back, I can’t imagine going through that time without her. End-of-Life Doula's are compassionate and understanding. They give families peace in a moment that felt impossible. Reminding us that while death is inevitable — it doesn’t have to be cold, confusing, or fearful.

With the right support, it can be intentional, connected, and deeply human."

Learn More

If you or a loved one are facing a terminal illness, planning ahead, or seeking additional support during hospice care, reach out to learn how end-of-life doula services can help.

🌐 www.balanceandblisstherapy.com📧 baliegh.butler@balanceandblisstherapy.com📞 878-293-7723

At Balance & Bliss Therapy, end-of-life care is about more than closure — it’s about connection, compassion, and creating space for meaning.

Because sometimes, what we need most at the end… is someone to walk beside us. 🌸