The word “doula” is an old one with roots meaning “servant” and in more negative contexts, “slave.” In modern understanding, a doula is a “guide” or a “coach,” so I call myself both a life coach and end of life coach.

As an end of life coach, I provide companionship, comfort, emotional/spiritual, and practical guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. While I do provide physiological death education, my support is non-medical. I focus on helping the dying person and their loved ones process their emotional and spiritual experiences and navigate the transition practically and wholeheartedly.

Many people have strong ideas about what they want in their final weeks, days, and hours. To honor these wishes, a vigil plan can be developed and communicated to responsible loved ones. The plan often outlines environmental and ritualistic requests which ensure the dying person’s autonomy and that their wishes are fulfilled.

Following death, members of a circle of care may desire one or more sessions to “reprocess” their loved one’s death. These sessions are designed to help survivors move through the grieving process, begin to find closure, and reemerge into life.

I often help my clients access resources and find myself in perpetual research. I maintain an ongoing library of resources for The Life & Death Coach clients including, but not limited to: attorneys, financial planners, mediators, venues, memorial project vendors, planning tools, and more.

My clients live across North America.

Discovery calls are always virtual.

Life coaching sessions are generally virtual, allowing me to offer coaching no matter where someone lives. If you have a strong preference about in-person coaching and live in the Charleston, SC region, we can discuss the possibility of creative location options.

End of life coaching sessions can be virtual or in-home (for those local to the Charleston, SC region). 

End of life vigil support is only available in-person. It is available to those in the Charleston, SC region. Vigil support outside the Charleston area is available upon request and is subject to travel expenses.

During our 30 minute discovery call, we’ll discuss your goals for life coaching or end of life coaching, and determine whether my services are for you. We’ll also review pricing, packages, and whether a custom rate is most appropriate for your needs. Generally speaking, all coaching engagements involve discovery sessions, a block of standard sessions, and valuable continuity support.

Unfortunately, neither life coaching nor end of life coaching and doula services is covered by insurance at this time.

Most definitely.  I love helping to raise awareness about living and dying well! As a former educator and seasoned presenter, I’m able to tailor my content to a wide array of audiences and timeframes. Feel free to visit “Contact Merridith” with your ideas, and we’ll make it happen.