SACRED COMPANIONING

The Art & Practice of Being an End-Of-Life Doula

Let's Talk about Death and Dying

There is an urgent need in our death-phobic society to demystify death and dying. A movement has emerged of individuals who want to understand this more deeply, as well as those wanting to become End-of-Life/Death Doula/Midwives, trained to facilitate these tender conversations and how to accompany the dying and their loved ones through this sacred passage. 

The exciting collaboration between All Paths Divinity School and Gatehouse Spiritual Centre brings an End-of-Life-Sacred-Companioning intensive workshop to Cape Town in April 2024. 

12th – 14th April

Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 2pm to 6pm

19th – 21st April

Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 2pm to 6pm

WHO SHOULD DO THIS CERTIFICATION?

Anyone with a sincere interest in this, including those in the helping professions, therapists, nurses, grief counselors, ministers, and caregivers, is most welcome.

FOR MORE INFO ON SPECIAL PRICING FOR THE AFRICAN COHORT, PLEASE CONTACT US AT AllPathsAfrica@AllPathsDivinitySchool.org

YOU WILL LEARN:

  • End-of-Life Support: Gain the confidence and skills needed to provide compassionate companionship to individuals at the end of their lives and offer vital support to their families.

  • Inclusive Spiritual Care: Learn to respect and integrate a wide range of faith traditions, spiritual practices, and rituals, ensuring that you can meet the diverse spiritual needs of clients, regardless of their beliefs.

  • Collaborative Care: Become prepared to work harmoniously with the entire care team, including hospice professionals, family members, friends, and clergy from various religious backgrounds, while respecting boundaries and recognizing your own limitations.

  • Scope of the Doula Role: Understand the doula/midwife role thoroughly, balancing between honoring your role’s significance and staying within its defined scope.

  • Personal Exploration: Delve into your own emotions and fears related to death and dying, enabling you to serve in this sacred space with authenticity and empathy.

  • Advance Directives: Learn how to assist patients and clients in expressing their end-of-life treatment preferences through Advance Directives, ensuring their wishes are respected.

  • Legacy Projects: Explore creative projects that help clients find meaning in their lives and facilitate closure, adding a unique dimension to your support.

  • Understanding the Dying Process: Acquire knowledge about the dying process and the anticipatory grief experienced by both patients and their loved ones, allowing you to provide empathetic care.

  • Business Development: Explore the practical aspects of establishing a death midwife practice, including essential considerations related to business and liability.

  • Post-Death Care: Become proficient in assisting with post-death care and body disposition, preserving the dignity and comfort of both the deceased and their family.

  • Advocacy and Support: Develop the skills to advocate for clients and their families, guiding them through the end-of-life journey with grace and unwavering support.

  • Interfaith Understanding: Gain insight into how religious traditions approach death and dying, fostering interfaith sensitivity and competence.

  • Continual Contemplative Practices: Embrace ongoing contemplative practices throughout the program, promoting personal growth and mindfulness