Joni Kirk Death Doula
Journey's End
My mission is to help reclaim death as a natural, regenerative and sacred event. I offer non-medical secular support and companionship before, during and after death. My approach is flexible, dynamic and patient.
Doing death your way
What is a death doula?
Death is a natural process
Death is a transition we can help you prepare for.A death doula's primary role is to advocate for and support the client as they complete their life.We are non-medical professionals trained to provide emotional, spiritual and practical support to a client and loved ones before, during and after death.My service is secular and inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds, beliefs and family structures.Even a single visit can help you move towards a meaningful and comfortable transition for everyone involved..A Death Doula Can OfferTime
Compassionate presence so you can focus on what matters: love, connection and peace.Resources
Clear, compassionate information about the natural process of dying and what may be experienced.End of life Planning
Get the most out of your time on Earth.
Assistance with Advance Care Directives and funeral preferences.
Clarifying values, wishes and legacy projects.Creating personalised end of life plans and rituals.Practical Guidance
Promoting self-advocacy with medical teams and service providers.
Help navigating transitions (eg home to hospice or residential care).
Management of logistics like transport, equipment, and communication tools.Emotional and spiritual support
Gentle presence and companionship during dying and grieving.
Encouraging family conversations and healing.
Support for carers and loved ones, including respite and referrals.After Death Support
Guidance around funeral, memorial, burial or cremation options.
Support following bereavement and sudden death.Community Education and Advocacy
Workshops and presentations on dying, grief, and planning ahead.
Promoting awareness of the role of death doulas within palliative and home care settings.A Death Doula...-Is fully committed to the needs of the dying person as the highest priority.-Wishes no one to die alone unless that is what they want.-Upholds and respects the protocols and practices established by the dying person or their nominee.-Works respectfully alongside the person's chosen healthcare professionals and care team.Death doulas do not diagnose, prescribe or provide medical, psychological or legal advice.
Fortune Favours the Brave
About me
I am a Death Doula certified by Life Options (2026), qualified ship’s master and engine driver, and former sensory neuroscience professional. Driven by a quest for knowledge, exploration and philosophy, I bring a calm, highly adaptive presence to life's most challenging transitions.My values are respect, integrity, equality and happiness.My years in the superyacht industry taught me how to maintain professionalism in the toughest of times and to anticipate the needs of my guests. Everything is possible, nothing is likely.My years in the hospital system taught me empathy for people with difficult and terminal illnesses.I've lived in a variety of cultures and learnt several languages — a mind opening and humbling experience.Between my psychology major, passion for teaching ESL and interest in interpersonal skills such as Nonviolent Communication, I've developed and continue to develop strong listening and communication skills.I'm dynamic and adapt my approach to suit the person in front of me. I meet you where you are at.I've done extensive activism work, always looking for a brighter future. Standing up for what is right is my default setting.As a neurodivergent practitioner, I value creating an accepting, non-judgemental space where people can be fully themselves.My intention for my doula business is to provide care in a space that can be hard to talk about. Where others disappear, I will appear.My lifetime interest in spirituality has always drawn me towards the otherworldly. I facilitate online and in-person workshops in the liminal space in my free time.My personal maxims:Know yourself Γνῶθι σεαυτόν
Be yourself Σαυτὸν ἴσθι
Long for wisdom Σοφίαν ζήλου
Pursue harmony Ὁμόνοιαν δίωκε
Nothing to excess Μηδὲν ἄγαν
Consult the wise Σοφοῖς χρῶ
Accept old age Γῆρας προσδέχου
We may just go where no one's been
Your death, your way
Services
My services can take place at home, in hospice, hospital or aged care, at any stage of your journey. I've listed my main services below to help you understand what I offer. Don't feel overwhelmed. The simplest way forward is to call me and let me know your needs and concerns.Clarity will unfoldEnd of Life Administration
Support for the advance directive, powers of attorney and other administrative needs. E.g. managing updates and phone calls to loved ones and wider circle, or implementing rosters and care routines.
Assisting the family
Aligning expectations and negotiating a positive outcomes. Establishing processes and negotiating load management between service staff, family members, and your medical team.
Arranging respite care for family caregivers so other have time to rest.
Death Literacy
Helping you understand the process of dying and the options available.
End of life companion
Contrary to popular belief this is not a journey that needs to be taken alone. I can listen, hold space and offer support and education about the dying process. I can encourage self-acceptance and acceptance of the process. I'm your sounding board and can also support your loved ones.
Holding space
Creating a calm and comforting space at home, in hospice or elsewhere. Holding space for big emotions and deep conversations. Encouraging forgiveness. Active listening, reading aloud, guided visualisations, arranging music and alternative modalities as requested.
Stories and Legacy
I love a good story and I'm here to listen to yours. Assisting with documenting your memory, timeline or legacy projects for future generations. Creating an emotional will. You may want help recording a video or writing and publishing your ebook!
Swedish Death Cleaning
Swedish death cleaning is the process of identifying what is necessary and joyful in life. Proponents suggest we start this work at 60. No matter where you are in your journey, I can help you with the cathartic and emotional process of preparing your physical possessions. I'm thrilled to help you uncover what physical attachments bring you true joy and which are holding you back.
Vigilar
I can sit vigil and/or help your family maintain and organise an active vigil.Medical Team Liaison
Communicating observations and changes to the medical team to help them provide the best possible care and comfort.Communication Facilitator
Holding space for deep conversations about needs and wishes. I can run workshops in NVC technique to facilitate understanding & connection.
Belief work
I'm a certified ThetaHealing® practitioner and can offer belief work for exploring challenges around personal, interpersonal or spiritual concerns.
Red light therapy
Red Light laser for pain management.
--After death--
Creating an after death care plan for everyone involved.
Home funeral guide
I can help you to plan home funerals, memorials, rituals and living funerals. I can liaise with a funeral home on your family's behalf, so more time can be spent with the dying person. You may choose to not have a funeral, too.
Green Funeral Consultant
Exploring environmentally conscious funeral options, including burial, cremation and other alternatives.
Ashes Spreading
As a qualified Ship's Master, I can help you plan and facilitate an ashes-scattering ceremony at sea.You're probably wondering what all this costs
Preparation is key
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Rituals
Death is a sacred and natural experience.All rituals are client-led and can be secular, spiritual or religious according to your own beliefs and wishes.My passion is creating rituals that are unique to you and your path.I'll help you dream up what might be helpful, meaningful or comforting.Ritual Examples
Letting go and acceptance
Preparing for the unknown
Journey work
Releasing fear (e.g. thanatophobia)
Forgiveness
Gratitude
Self-reflection
Shadow work
Self love and worth
Unfinished business
Crafting items for burialAs an ancient Hellenic reconstructionist and revivalist, I also offer specialised alternative rituals & ceremonies.
Click here for more information on those services.
Allow me to walk with you towards the biggest mystery of life
Cost and Contact
Cost
As part of my service to the community, I offer two free services each year.
Reach out to see if you are eligible.Booking Process
If you are interested in my services, please send a message to +61 427 499 592.I'll schedule a 15-minute call with you to discuss anything you like. This is not a sales call.The next step is an in-person meeting to clarify your needs and goals and assess our fit.
You decide if you like me, I decide if I can meet your needs.This free two-hour meeting may provide enough clarity for you to continue your journey independently.Following this, if we are both interested and I can meet your needs, we map out the plan and costs for your unique doula service.Rates vary according to your needs, ranging from $150 to $2,500.
To book a consultation for a personalised quote, message 0427499592.If you need urgent end-of-life support, please call me directly on 0427 499 592.In a medical emergency, please call 000.For general enquiries email [email protected]
Tell me your death story
Curiosity is Key
Demystifying death
If your loved one received a terminal diagnosis today, would you know how to care for and support them? Research shows that 75-90% of care is done by family even with hospice services onboard (see also)Did you know that 75% of people say they would like to die at home? Only 14% do.
Death does not have to be a medical event.
Home funerals, where appropriate, can provide better outcomes for the grief and bereavement period..
Resources
.All round great resource
A helpful and interesting resourcePlanning & AdministrationA lighthearted way to approach end of life adminDo your will online (I recommend obtaining legal advice)Green funeralsNatural burials in AustraliaSwedish death cleaningUnderstanding DyingHow to talk to people about death and dying, including childrenDemystifying deathAbout cancer treatmentsA guide to dying well with a TED talkGriefGrief AustraliaLifeline 13 11 14Creative & Unconventional
On making your own coffinSwear word colouring bookBooks for the journeyBriefly Perfectly Human: Making An Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End by Alua Arthur.Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande.The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life by Katy Butler.As she chose: A book about conscious dying.Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing.Grief Is a Sneaky Bitch:
An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss by Lisa Keefauver.Barbara Kein - Gone from my sight.
Faq
What is the difference between a hospice nurse and an end of life doula? Time and role. A hospice nurse manages the medical care plan but has time constraints. With the client's permission, a doula can communicate observations and concerns so care plans stay current for maximum comfort. In Australia, even the highest level of government home care funding does not provide full time support.What is the difference between the hospice volunteer and a death doula? Hospice volunteers work within a structured framework, generally visiting 1-2 hours a week or fortnight. A death doula offers flexible support including vigils, continuous companionship during active dying, and after-death care — based on your unique needs.What is the difference between hospice bereavement services and doula bereavement services?
In Australia, public palliative and hospice services generally offer bereavement support for up to 12 months following a loss. After this window, care is usually transitioned to external services. A death doula's bereavement support continues as long as you need it. We focus on personalised grief accompaniment rather than standardised timelines.Is there a government licence for death doulas? There is no government license required for death doulas in Australia—we are non-medical support providers. However, professional doulas complete certified training programs (I'm certified through Life Options).Can you be my doula even if I’m not in your geographic area? My primary service area is Melbourne's outer east, but I can service clients throughout Melbourne. I may also be able to travel interstate or provide remote support. I can also connect you with local doulas in your area. Please contact me to discuss your situation.We are a Christian/atheist/multi-faith family. Can you support us?
Yes, doula work is secular. I love learning about what people believe and what gives their life meaning. My highest priority is serving the individual's values and encouraging acceptance.Can I book you just for vigil support? Yes!Do you work with LGBTQIA+ families? Sure do.What if I change my mind or need to pause? This is your plan. You can change it as needed. You can choose to pause or cancel at any time for any reason without explanation.Do you work with people who aren't actively dying? Yes! You may not be planning on it, but it's always best to plan ahead.
Psychpomp services
Services for Pagans
Hellpol practitioners under financial hardship are invited to reach out
As part of my priesthood training (Mt Nysa) I am honoured to offer specific support to Pagans.Part of my intention for providing doula services is to gently deconstruct the religious, medical and cultural conditioning that has shaped how societies handle death, so that your journey can be truly yours.I work with all paths and faiths including monotheistic traditions. I take my role as an advocate for the dying very seriously and am truly excited to work with you in the way that best aligns with your practice.Services I offerPrayers and offerings to deities on your behalf (open pantheons only)
Leading rituals within modern and ancient devotional frameworks
Construction of talismans or phylacteries for burial, protection or remembrance
Assisting you in researching or crafting a rite that is meaningful to you
Support and understanding in multi-faith situations with loved ones.
Information and discussion on ancient funeral rites
On request I can perform psychopomp work during and after your transitionI encourage you to envision your own ideas about what would be helpful, comforting or meaningful to you.A death doula is:
A threshold keeper
A story weaver
An anchor in the storm
A translator between worlds —
Medical, emotional, spiritual, familial
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Joni Kirk Death Douleía