I’m Samantha Helm
End-of-Life Doula / Grief Coach
Guiding you through life’s
Sacred Transformations
End-of-Life Doula
Your end-of-life journey is unique. As an End-of-Life Doula, I offer personalized support tailored to your specific needs. My approach includes life review, vigil planning, caregiver support, and bereavement guidance.
Grief Coach
Loss, even when anticipated, is a profound experience. The emptiness left behind can be immense. While grief is inevitable, it can also be a path to transformation. My role is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you can explore your grief without judgment.
Create a Meaningful End-of-Life
Guiding You Through
Death and Grief
As an End-of-Life Doula and Grief Coach, I offer compassionate, personalized support for individuals and families navigating serious illness, hospice care, or end-of-life planning. My goal is to empower you to live fully in the present while providing peace of mind for the future. Through a combination of end-of-life doula services and grief coaching, I can help you explore your wishes, address fears, and create a plan that honors your unique journey. Let’s connect to discuss how I can support you on this path, from the present moment through any future transitions.
End-of-Life Doula: life review, vigil planning, caregiver support
Grief & Life Coach: One-on-One Coaching
Advanced Planning: Advance Directives / Five Wishes
Ask a Doula: Death Education
What Is an End-of-Life Doula?
Who is an End-of-Life Doula For?
An end-of-life doula is a compassionate companion who walks alongside individuals and families as they navigate life’s final chapter. Whether you’re planning ahead, facing a serious illness, or grieving a loss, we offer support and guidance. We help you explore end-of-life options, create meaningful plans, and find peace and comfort. Our goal is to empower you to live life fully and approach death with dignity and grace.
Credentials
2013 - Usui Reiki Master
As a Usui Reiki Master, I am a conduit for universal life force. I have been attuned to a higher level of energy, allowing me to channel this healing energy to promote well-being in myself and others.
2019 - Certified Nurse Assistant
I completed my Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training through Emily Griffith Technical College. While I don’t currently practice as a CNA, the skills and knowledge I gained during my training are invaluable complements to my work as an end-of-life doula. My understanding of patient care, medical procedures, and the healthcare environment allows me to provide compassionate and informed support to individuals and families during their final stages of life.
2020 - End-of-Life Doula Training
In 2020, I completed the End of Life Doula training program offered by the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). Through this comprehensive course, I gained a solid foundation in doula work, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to support individuals and families during the end-of-life journey. Practical exercises, role-playing, and case studies allowed me to develop a deep understanding of end-of-life care and the ability to navigate various scenarios with compassion and sensitivity. The training also instilled in me the principles of compassionate service that guide INELDA’s approach. This initial step in my journey as an End of Life Doula continues to inform and shape my practice, enabling me to provide valuable support to those in my care.
2021 - Professional Life Coach Certification
In 2022, I completed a Professional Life Coach Certification program. This training equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to support individuals in their personal growth. By understanding coaching principles and techniques, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of the human experience, which is essential for effectively coaching on death and grief. This certification provided a valuable foundation for my work as an End of Life Doula, allowing me to offer comprehensive support to those navigating the end-of-life journey.
2022 - Going Deeper Grief Class
In 2022, I completed the Going Deeper Grief course offered by the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). This comprehensive program deepened my understanding of the grief process, both personally and for others. I developed valuable skills for coping with my own feelings related to loss and grief, as well as strengthening my ability to support others in their grieving journeys. Additionally, the course helped me identify ways to advocate for the bereaved and provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various grief theories, reactions, and coping mechanisms. This training has been instrumental in enhancing my ability to provide compassionate and effective support to individuals and families experiencing grief.
2022 - Insight Coaching Certification
In 2022, I completed the Insight Coaching Certification program. This training deepened my understanding of coaching principles and techniques, equipping me with the skills to provide more effective support to individuals navigating grief. I learned the importance of creating a space for clients to access their own insights, rather than relying on external advice or solutions. This approach, which emphasizes curiosity, presence, and active listening, is essential for helping clients uncover their own truths and facilitate meaningful personal growth. Through the Insight Coaching Certification, I gained a valuable foundation for my work as an End of Life Doula, enabling me to provide more comprehensive and effective support to those experiencing loss and grief.
Current - Five Wishes Facilitator
I am currently enrolled in the Five Wishes Certified Facilitator Program. This training is designed to enhance my knowledge and skills in facilitating advance care planning conversations with individuals within a healthcare context. As an End of Life Doula, this certification will be invaluable in providing comprehensive support to those navigating the end-of-life journey. By learning how to effectively guide individuals through the Five Wishes process, I can help them articulate their preferences regarding medical treatment, end-of-life care, and personal values, ensuring their wishes are respected and honored.
About Me
My journey with death began early. As a child, I grappled with the loss of my brother to suicide. This profound experience was just the beginning. In 2018, my world was shattered. In a span of less than five months, I experienced the unimaginable loss of five loved ones, two beloved pets, and my career. This devastating period, coupled with the challenges faced by my best friend’s family after his suicide, ignited a deep passion for supporting others navigating similar storms.
Witnessing the overwhelming burden placed on them during an already unimaginable time highlighted the critical need for pre-planning and the invaluable role of a compassionate guide. My journey has equipped me with the empathy, understanding, and tools to help you navigate your own end-of-life journey and the complexities of grief.
My background in meditation (studying at Maharishi University of Meditation in 2023), experience volunteering with terminally ill children (2011), working as a caregiver for individuals with quadriplegia, and being invited to write and present a death and rebirth meditation for a group of 75+ has further deepened my understanding of human suffering and resilience. I’ve combined my deep understanding of mindfulness and meditation with my practical experience to provide compassionate and supportive services.
Testimonials
“Samantha is uniquely gifted as a Grief Coach and compassionately dedicated to serving her mission. She takes incredible care of the coaching experience, creating a safe and professional environment for her clients. Through our work together, I came to realize that building a healthy and consistent relationship with grief is an important part of managing it. Walking with grief before we need or have to, makes it easier to bear when the time comes. I didn’t know how much my life would benefit from grief coaching until I met Samantha.”
“Samantha is a true gem. Her support during my family’s end-of-life journey was immeasurable. She helped us navigate difficult decisions with grace and compassion. I highly recommend her services to anyone facing loss.”
“End of life planning is not easy. Sounds obvious however, after suffering a heart attack and dealing with aging parents, I’ve come to realize the importance. Samantha has been an incredible resource helping me with difficult conversations, completing the Five Wishes Planning Guide, and financial/estate planning. Samantha’s guidance has been invaluable!“