Frequently Asked Questions
What is an end-of-life doula?
An end-of-life doula provides non-medical, non-clinical support for someone who is dying, and for the people around them. That can mean companionship at the bedside, help thinking through wishes and decisions, or simply steady presence during a time that often feels disorienting. Think of it as emotional, practical, and logistical support, not medical care.
How is this different from hospice?
Hospice provides medical care — pain management, nursing, and clinical support — through a licensed care team. I don’t replace that. I work alongside hospice (or independently of it) to provide the kind of presence, planning, and support that falls outside a medical team’s scope: sitting with someone through the night, helping organize what matters to them, or simply being there so a family isn’t carrying everything alone.
How is this different from a chaplain or grief counselor?
A chaplain is usually part of a hospital’s or hospice’s care team, offering spiritual support to people of any faith or none within that setting. A grief counselor provides clinical, therapeutic support, often over a longer course of sessions. My work sits alongside both. I’m independent, so I come to you, and my support is practical as well as spiritual: sitting vigil, helping plan what happens before and after a death, and working on legacy projects that let someone leave something of themselves behind. I don’t replace a chaplain or a counselor. I can work with either, with a hospice team, or on my own, depending on what you need.
Do you only work with people who are dying, or do you also support grief afterward?
Both and more. I support people before a death — including anticipatory grief, which starts long before someone actually dies — during it, and after. Grief doesn’t end when the services do, and neither does my support. I also support people who don’t have a terminal diagnosis, yet want to actively plan their death. My grief support also extends to grief related to loss besides dying.
What does it cost?
Doula services are billed at $37.50/hour. Milage of .49/mile applies to trips outside of Missoula city limits. Package rates are also available, along with a sliding scale fee for those who need it. I believe cost shouldn’t be the reason someone goes without support during one of the hardest periods of their life — reach out and we can talk through what fits.
Where do you provide services?
I work in person throughout Missoula County in Montana. All of my support happens face to face, at home, in a care facility, or wherever you are.
Do I need to be religious or spiritual to work with you?
No. I’m ordained, but I’m not here to bring you my beliefs or require you to hold any particular ones. My approach is spiritually grounded but agnostic, built around honoring what’s true for you, not what’s true for me.
How do I get started?
Reach out, and we’ll talk through what you’re facing and what kind of support might help. There’s no obligation, and no pressure — just a conversation.