FAQs
Answers to commonly asked questions
What are some examples of the actual practices and activities you teach or facilitate?
Susan has a rich toolbox of reflective prompts, meditations and other contemplative practices, and practical exercises and activities. The specifics are tailored to your preferences, needs, and goals. Below are a few examples:
Living Fully – What matters now
Reflective inquiry, meditations, and practical suggestions to bring comfort, joy, and ease, prioritize goals, refresh your bucket list, and tap into a plethora of simple pleasures available to you now.
Looking back – Integrating the past
Life review, capturing family stories and history, sharing personal milestones and events through stories, collage, or curated photos or audio-visuals, and gratitude and forgiveness practices.
Creating legacies – Being Remembered
Developing legacy projects, such as written or recorded reflections or creative expressions of love to special people in your life, curated photos or videos, or planting of dedicated trees. Also, consideration of meaningfully gifting resources and sharing stories related to family heirlooms and the timing of the giving.
Being ready for dying – Preparing the finale
Planning and communicating nuanced preferences for the end of your life to be true to you, such as where, how, and who to spend your last days and hours, memorial service details, writing your self-eulogy, and what to do with the body. Assistance in completing advance directives, including The Five Wishes.
I’m just interested in one or two of the content areas you cover. Do I have to do everything or can I pick and choose?
Specific topics and services are personalized to you, depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. You determine what you’d like to focus on and how much you would like to do.
I have a serious illness. Can I still work with you, even if my time and energy are limited?
Yes, of course. Susan is sensitive and skilled in working with people with medical issues. She will partner with you in determining what to focus on and will try to accommodate any physical limitations you may have.
I am a family member (or friend) of a loved one who is dying. I am feeling overwhelmed with what to say and how to be when I am with them. Can you help me?
I’m not that old and am reasonably healthy. Should I utilize these services now or should I wait?
This exploration can help you to live fully now and to feel complete and prepared, since things can change quickly and serious illness or an accident can occur at any age. You will also learn ways to be present with loved ones and navigate their aging or health issues.
How much do the services cost?
Services are offered on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. The standard rate for individual clients is $155 for a one-hour session ($230 for 90-minute session). This includes the actual session plus email follow-up with individualized suggestions and resources. If cost is a barrier, you can access an immediate scholarship. Clients who are able and inspired are welcome to pay more in the spirit of “paying it forward” to support others with financial constraints. Pre-pay packages and multiple session discounts are also available.
I need to create or update my advance directives. Can you help with that?
Yes, definitely! Susan can support you in discerning your wishes regarding medical treatment (if you are unable to communicate) and then guide you to the correct form and explain the different parts to you. This will ensure that you are clear and can make decisions that are aligned with your wishes. Susan can assist you in completing the forms, including The Five Wishes, if you’d like.
I’m interested in deepening my spirituality. What do you recommend?
Spiritual matters often come up and can be explored in this work with Susan. However, if you have specific questions about your religion or would like spiritual counseling, it is best that you work directly with clergy or chaplains.
I don’t meditate. Can I still engage in the services?
Yes, no problem. If you’re interested, guided meditations and other contemplative practices can be taught and incorporated into some of the sessions; however it’s not essential and is optional.
I heard of “death doulas” and am wondering if what you do is similar to them. Also, when the time comes for me to die, could you support me in that process?
Susan has extensive experience in end-of-life care over decades and her holistic approach is consistent with doulas, offering non-medical support in the final months of life. Susan is comfortable sitting vigil and being present during the last days and hours; as such, she is receptive to serving in this capacity for established clients and depending on her availability. Of note, Susan has also completed an end-of-life doula training program and volunteers with her local hospice.
Do you provide professional nursing care?
No, professional nursing care is not included in these services. That means no hands-on care or advice on medical management or medications will be provided.
Do you offer psychedelic-assisted therapies?
Do you participate in medical aid in dying?
I need help with writing a will or estate planning. Can you help with that?
No. While you may gain clarity in what you would like included in your will or trust, or be motivated to complete one after this process, you need to seek legal counsel to write a will and complete estate planning.