A Necessary Conversation

Death Doula

Midway, UT Provo, UT Salt Lake City, UT

Grief Specialist, Legacy Work, Rituals

Offers free consultation

Verified by Autumn

How did a girl like me find a calling like this? A Necessary Conversation is an endeavor to offer an alternative approach to those yearning to experience End of Life in a spiritually-rooted state of being. The relationships we cultivate between living, dying, death and bereavement deeply influence our reactions and responses to life and death situations. ​ ​As a child, I was always curious about death and dying….but I quickly learned that these subjects matters are rarely discussed in our society. So, I did what most of us do: I avoided any kind of self-awareness around these topics for many, many years. ​And, like many people, I encountered different circumstances of death (children, young adults, accidents, sickness and even murder). The more death I experienced, the more uncomfortable I became with how I was processing these situations. Never once did it occur to me that I could change how I spiritually responded. My purpose and my passion is working with individuals, families, communities and businesses to share my knowledge about the EOL. Your understanding of death, which we will all be touched by, can be transformed. By bringing it to the surface, talking about it, preparing for certain aspects of it, and giving it a deeper sense of love and honor, you can make this feared experience something more meaningful and peaceful when the time comes.

Deepening the relationships between the living and the dying can be comforting and healing when you understand how. Both birth and death are a natural part of life. While you instinctively know how to welcome the birth of a new baby, saying farewell to life, does not come as easily. When you are prepared for the inevitable, and engage in those necessary conversations, you will have less fear, more capacity to stay in the moment, and a better understanding of both your own emotions and those of the dying. Whether you are facing your own mortality or that of a loved one or pet, take this opportunity ​and learn how to "do death differently".

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Education

  • University of Utah, Communications, 1988
  • Sacred Crossings
  • Care Doula
  • 5-Day Residential Immersion, Care Doula and Authentic Presence
  • Going with Grace, EOL Education and Planning
  • Authentic Presence
  • Respecting Choices
  • EOL University, Death and Dying Instructor Training and Mastermind Group
  • Elizabeth Kubler Ross Foundation, Healing through Grief
  • MISS Foundation:
  • Certified Provider, Peer Support
  • The Art of Traumatic Grief Counseling Certificate
  • Holding Space and Helping Hearts: Traumatic Grief Advanced Skills Course
  • Our House Grief Support Center, Co-Leader, Volunteer Training Certificate
  • David Kessler, Grief Educator Certificate Program
  • Volunteer: Hospice, NODA (No One Dies Alone), Caring House

Stephanie B

"What a gift Dee Dee was to me. My son passed away suddenly, and unexpectedly. I was emotionally, physically, and spiritual devastated. With her soft, compassionate way, Dee Dee guided me through each step I needed to do. From calling the mortuary and coroner, to holding my hand through the roller coaster of grief, sorrow and all else that arises, she was there. I am so grateful for her wisdom and advice in navigating the difficult journey one is faced with upon a loved one’s death. Thank you, Dee Dee".

Ingrid W

"I began working with Dee Dee almost two years after the passing of my mother. We had a strained relationship, and I could not get in touch with my grief. Unfortunately, I was experiencing increased bouts of anger that were threatening my relationships with family and friends. While I didn’t see the connection, Dee Dee helped me get underneath the anger and begin the work of sorting through the layers of stories and feelings interrupting my happiness. Dee Dee asked questions that me think through the past. She listened so deeply that I felt safe exploring out loud new ways to view the future. My work with Dee Dee has been life changing and I highly recommend her methods to anyone looking to process loss, learn patience with yourself, and/or embrace the present."

Teresa P

"Loosing someone is hard. I thought I was ready, I thought I was going to be able to handle it. But that was not the case. Because DeeDee was there, Ruth's passing was peaceful and the only thing I had to do was embrace the moment with Ruth. She was there for both Ruth and I. Because she was there I was able to say goodbye and I feel that at that moment Ruth was at peace and she let go when she was ready. It was hard but I know at that moment Ruth was in a peaceful place because thats the way DeeDee made it".

What types of services do you provide?

Working Together to Improve the Life Journey - 3 Areas of Expertise The 3-E's Packages I offer packages applicable to all who are willing to build a spiritual bridge connecting life and life’s end. The 3 E’s, heart-centered experiences, that can be explored individually or combined. 1. Explore your feelings around death so that you can adopt an emotionally healthier response to it. 2. Empower yourself with "End-of-Life knowledge" to experience a more spiritual approach with death. 3. Enrich your relationships so that you can connect more harmoniously to those that are important in your life. End-of-Life Doula Services An EOL doula provides non-medical, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their family. This may include education about the death process as well as emotional and spiritual guidance, or practical care. My EOL doula practice focuses on meeting you where you are emotionally and guiding you through this journey. I tailor my services to meet the individual and the family’s needs – whether that be the dying person, their loved ones, or both. Open-heart, deep and vulnerable conversations around death, dying and grief Education to family members about dying and death processes so they understand what to expect. Information on how to best support and communicate with the dying; and insight into what their loved one is experiencing Resolutions – how to nurture going in peace Facilitating EOL planning – using the 3-E’s package Emotional counsel – sitting vigil and death bed guidance After death – death care, celebration of life, home funerals, life celebrations Grief work Locating resources for everyday basic needs during crisis Securing resources for ongoing emotional support Grief The Grief Package may be taken on it's own, or combined with the 3-E Packages A compassionate template that helps you to support your grief process. Engage, communicate and establish your lead in your grief journey. Encounter a humanity based service that connects our suffering, heart to heart. Consider an alternative approach to experiencing grief and bereavement authentically. Examine spiritual tools to adjust your experiences and relationships with those around you. Together, we have the opportunity to lean into grief in a safe and protected environment. ​​

What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?

Prices are provided on my website: EOL Doula Services: https://www.anecessaryconversation.com/what-is-a-death-doula.html The 3-E's: https://www.anecessaryconversation.com/the-3-e-packages.html Grief Package: https://www.anecessaryconversation.com/grief-package.html Pet Services and Grief: https://www.anecessaryconversation.com/pet-services--grief.html

What is your typical process for working with a new client?

I offer a free 30 minute consultation so we can meet, and you can decide if I am the person you would like to have supporting you. This session offers you the opportunity to ask questions and share what your needs are.

What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?

My EOL (end-of-life) Practice focuses on: Meeting you where you are emotionally and guiding you through this journey. I tailor my services to meet the individual and the family’s needs – whether that be the dying person, their loved ones, or both. I have training and skills to help to guide you through what may be your most stressful life event. At times like these, family and friends may not be able to offer you the support you need, as they are struggling also. I bring a knowledgeable, compassionate presence into the family dynamic. I step in to help with all things great and small. The goal is to alleviate stress, fear, and regret for things left undone or unsaid prior to your loved one’s passing, and support you thereafter during the grieving process.

What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?

An EOL doula provides non-medical, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their family. This may include education about the death process as well as emotional and spiritual guidance, or practical care. Please take the time to speak with as many EOL doulas as you can. Death, like birth, is very personal and vulnerable, and finding the right fit for you in this powerful life journey is emotionally and spiritually beneficial.

What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?

Questions vary based on where you, or loved one, might be in this profound experience. I feel it's important to take the time to sit quietly with your thoughts and emotions, and ask yourself what it is you feel you need at this time, and how support would look to you. With this being said, here are a few questions you may want to think about before speaking with a doula: What is your experience(s) with________________________________? How would you help me and/or my loved one __________________? What services do you, and do you not offer_____________________?

What populations are you best suited to serve?

I serve all populations

Do you offer any physical modalities or specialty training?

I focus on the whole person - body, mind, and spirit.

Do you offer any other services beyond end-of-life doula support (e.g. advanced care planning, paralegal, legacy services, chaplaincy services)?

Advance Care Planning Traumatic Grief Services A Necessary Conversation

Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?

Independent, but willing to collaborate as well.

Are you willing to work remotely?

Yes, I do a lot of remote work, via Zoom.

If available, I serve all communities that want my service.

Years In Business

  • 2016

Number Of Employees

  • 1

Service Areas

  • Midway, UT
  • Provo, UT
  • Salt Lake City, UT

Address

Midway, UT

Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.

Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.