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Welcome
What is a Death Doula?

  • A death doula is a trained professional who supports and guides individuals and their families during the end of life process.

  • Death doulas facilitate meaningful conversations to reduce the fear and confusion that often surround death and dying.

  • Death doulas offer numerous services including planning for a peaceful death, helping with legal paperwork and other practicalities, and grief and bereavement support.

About Me

 

I am a certified death doula (also known as end of life doula) serving the Greater Boston (MA) area and am a member of The Doula Guild. My passion is supporting people approaching the end of their life to have the best death possible.

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I am an LICSW and have worked for many years as a clinical social worker in the fields of cancer, HIV and dialysis. I am a Notary Public and also hold a PhD in Public Policy, specifically mental health policy. I have a long standing interest in improving our end of life experiences.

 

I am a long-term resident of Somerville, MA, having emigrated from Ireland in 2001.

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Karen Monaghan death doula Somerville MA

Services Overview

I provide in-person and/or online emotional, practical and educational guidance to people approaching end of life, and support them in having the best death possible. I also am available to support family and/or friends through the end of life process of a loved one. 

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What "best death" means is different for everyone; I offer a range of services to help people understand what it means for them and how they wish to prepare for it. I provide a safe space to talk openly about death and dying, and about your hopes, fears and expectations. I provide education on and help people plan for life changes that are part of the end of life process. As a Notary Public. I can ensure that paperwork is up to date and certified.

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During an initial consultation we will discuss your wishes and determine which services will be most helpful to you. I offer support at an hourly rate as well as custom packages to meet your needs. 

 

A free 30 minute virtual/telephone conversation will help us understand what a good death means for you. Following this, we will have an initial two hour in-person meeting to develop a comprehensive and personalized plan.

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Services Details

Autumn

End of Life Planning​​

  • Consistent emotional and practical support.

  • Planning for your death.

  • Planning for your funeral/memorial.

  • Providing education, information, and resources.

  • Facilitating conversations and advocacy with family and medical team.

Dry Roses and Diary

Legacy work

  • Conducting life review.

  • Reconciliation support.

  • Preparing an album of memories, cards and letters for significant people.

  • Thinking about how you want to be remembered.

  • Sharing memories.

Cat and Book

Sitting Vigil

  • Planning how you wish to spend your final days and hours.

  • Being present with you and providing comfort measures and resources in your final hours.

  • Communicating with family and care team.

White Flowers

Bereavement Support 

  • Supporting family after a loved ones' death.

  • Ensuring end of life plans and wishes are completed.

  • Coordinating funeral, cremation and/or burial.

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