Compassionate end-of-life care for the whole human
I am Amy Rush, and I am a certified death doula and medium.
I'd like to introduce you to the death doula part of me here. Because although the role is gaining in exposure, it's not readily understood by many. And frankly, I'm constantly tweaking my own definition of it so that it accurately reflects how I serve.
That's the beauty of this role, really — it's NOT a one-size-fits-all thing. It's a living, breathing idea, just like the humans it serves. It's a holistic way to help our fellow humans that expands and contracts as needed. And it should, since being human is not a one-size-fits all experience. Quite the contrary!
You are a unique presence with a unique human journey to navigate. I'm here to give you a unique end-of-life experience that cares for YOU — all of the parts of you. The death doula role enables me to do just that.
So what is a death doula? Here's how I explain it:
A death doula (a.k.a. end-of-life doula) is a trained, non-medical, and non-judgemental professional who provides compassionate, holistic support in dying + death — for individuals and/or their loved ones.
We can be considered a mentor, guide, or coach and are typically brought in by the dying individual’s family for additional assistance and guidance to serve specifically during the end of life.
That being said, we can (and do!) help at any stage of life — not just during active dying and the death event.
We complement (not compete with!) palliative care and hospice services, medical professionals, and other experts. And like our fellow experts, we too specialize in more focused interests.
Here are my specialties:
Organizing, coordinating, and supporting (logistically, emotionally, and spiritually) the myriad needs that arise during end of life and the active dying phase specifically
Integrating additional holistic modalities for greater ease and peace (e.g. Reiki, flower essences)
Offering spiritual guidance
Educating about green burials / sustainable deathcare choices and rights
Hosting small-group gatherings that hold space for engaging with dying + death topics
Sharing downloadable talks that deliver my best practices at the click of a button
Holding one-on-one sessions to discuss anything and everything related to dying + death
Serving as a Mentor Practitioner with The Lori Project
My services are fully personalized for each client’s unique journey. Just like each person on the planet has a birth story unique to them, so too does each person have a death story uniquely their own. I share some concrete examples of my services on the FAQ page of my website.
I am blessed by each client I serve, each family member or loved one of the dying, each community member I engage with about dying + death. They let me into their homes and hearts, where I witness the richness of the human experience at this most sacred time. My prayer for all of them — and for each of you reading this — is that you experience the compassion, peace, and love that is your birthright — throughout all of your life and in your dying days especially.
Amy Rush
Certified Death Doula B.A. + M.A. Communication
Mentor Practitioner, The Lori Project
Proficiency badge, National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)
Member, International End-of-Life Doula Association + NEDA
Featured in lead story of April 23 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
See her current class offerings
Download her best practices
Request a private session (in-person or virtual)
