Soulshine Death Doula
What is a death doula?
A Death Doula, also known as an End-of-Life Caregiver, is a compassionate, non-medical specialist who offers guidance and support to individuals and families during life’s final chapter. Unlike doctors or nurses, whose focus is primarily on medical treatment, a Death Doula’s role is centered on the human experience—ensuring that a person’s final days reflect what truly matters most to them.
A Care Partner Who Listens and Understands
At the heart of this work is a deep respect for the wishes, values, and priorities of the person nearing the end of life. Death Doulas take the time to listen, understand, and create a plan of care that honors those unique desires. They advocate on behalf of the patient, ensuring their voice is heard even when they can no longer speak for themselves.
Comfort, Reflection, and Closure
Beyond advocacy, Death Doulas provide emotional and practical support in ways that often bring peace and relief. They may help manage symptoms in partnership with the hospice team, guide meaningful life reviews that celebrate personal stories and achievements, or gently assist in resolving unfinished matters that weigh on the heart.
A Supportive Presence for Everyone
End-of-life care affects more than just the patient—it touches the entire family. Death Doulas work hand-in-hand with loved ones and professional caregivers, providing reassurance, easing burdens, and helping families feel less alone during this tender time. Their presence creates a sense of calm, dignity, and connection that can make the journey softer and more meaningful.
Why It Matters
Having a Death Doula involved means that the patient’s journey is not only medically supported but also emotionally and spiritually honored. It ensures that end-of-life care is not just about managing symptoms, but about embracing the person’s whole life and giving them—and their loved ones—the comfort, respect, and guidance they deserve.
About me
I’m Elysa, I look forward to walking this sacred path with you. My role as a caretaker began in childhood, when I first discovered my sensitivity to energy and connection to Source. Unlike many, I never feared death—it felt strangely safe, almost familiar.
Over the years, I’ve been shaped by many profound experiences of loss. I’ve sat at the bedsides of AIDS patients who had no one but hospice nurses by their side. I’ve held space for my father’s passing from afar, unable to be physically present yet deeply connected. Most recently, I accompanied a client from the moment of his diagnosis through his final breath. Each of these experiences has left me with a heart filled with reverence, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the sacredness of life’s transitions.
For more than two decades, I’ve taught yoga, practiced energy work, and expressed myself through art—always guided by a curiosity about life in all its forms. Becoming a Death Doula is a calling I have carried quietly for many years, wondering when the time would feel right. As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” The time is now.
I believe that when we lift one another, we lift the whole. Community is not only sacred but essential at the end of life. I look forward to building that community with you—walking this journey together, and carrying its wisdom into the world beyond.
Soulshine Death Doula’s name came from the song by The Allman Brothers. The song encourages perseverance through dark times, likening the human spirit to a guiding light ("soulshine") that shines brighter than external sources like sunshine. It acknowledges life's struggles-feeling lost, broken, or scared-but urges the listener to tap into their inner light to overcome adversity. The lyrics emphasize love, self-belief, and spiritual guidance, with a fatherly voice advising to "let your soul shine" to find peace and purpose. It’s soulful melody, emotive vocals and signature guitar work, amplifies the song's hopeful, redemptive tone.
Testimonials
During our father's final stages of illness and end-of-life care, Elysa was a steady and compassionate presence for him and our family. Her warmth and intelligence brought clarity and comfort in an incredibly difficult time. With patience, grace, and genuine care, she anticipated needs we didn't yet know how to name. We are profoundly grateful for her support through one of life's hardest passage
DG and Family
Healing is for everyone
Schedule your discovery call today
In-person services are only available in Fairfield and Westchester counties.
Please contact me if you need in-person support elsewhere, and I will work to connect you with a fellow end-of-life doula in your area.
Consultation is free of charge.
Please do not let limited finances stop you from reaching out.
I can help you navigate what is needed, from advanced care planning to hourly, weekly, or approaching end-of-life care.
My services
Services can be tailored to suit your specific requirements.
Reach out to talk about pricing and service plans.
Financial accommodations can be made to ensure accessibility to all in need.
Consultations are free of charge.
Hourly Rate and Package Rate Available.
I work in close partnership with physicians, hospice teams, social workers, clergy, spiritual advisors, and other care providers, helping ensure that emotional, spiritual, and practical support are aligned and respectful of each person’s values, beliefs, and medical needs. My role is to complement—not replace—existing care, offering continuity, presence, and advocacy throughout the process.
Advance Planning
Thoughtful preparation in coordination with medical providers, legal documents, and spiritual guidance as desired.
Vigil Planning and Support
Creating a meaningful bedside experience in collaboration with family, hospice, and clergy.
Life Review
Guided reflection to help individuals make meaning of their lives, often enriching pastoral or spiritual conversations.
Legacy Projects
Support with letters, recordings, rituals, or creative expressions to share with loved ones.
Early Grief Support & Reprocessing
Gentle support before and after loss, complementing pastoral care and clinical bereavement services.
Guided Imagery and Meditation
Grounding practices to support emotional and spiritual well-being alongside medical care.
Caregiver Respite
Compassionate presence to allow caregivers rest while remaining connected to the care team.
Organizing and Donating of Possessions
Practical, emotionally sensitive assistance during transitions.
Planning End-of-Life Celebrations
Meaningful rituals or gatherings that reflect personal values, faith traditions, or secular preferences.
Medical Aid in Dying Education and Referrals
Clear, compassionate information and coordination with medical providers where legally available.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Support in planning services in collaboration with clergy, celebrants, and funeral professionals.
How Do I Know What I Need?Below are several ways we can work together, depending on where you are in your planning or care journey. Each option is designed to offer guidance, support, and clarity at a pace that feels right for you.
Advance Care Planning Session
2-hour session – $150
Best for:
If you’re ready to prepare your advance directives but aren’t sure where to start. We’ll review what documents you need, what decisions you may want to consider, and how to organize everything so it’s accessible when it matters.
Hourly Consultations
$100 per hour
Best for:
When you’d like to begin with a thoughtful, in-depth conversation to understand your options and see if we’re a good fit. This is also ideal if you have questions unique to your circumstances and need personalized guidance.
Once-a-Week Visits
Package: Six hours – $550
Best for:
Those who want ongoing support as they plan ahead or navigate changes in their health or caregiving situation. This may include:
Talking openly about what’s happeningPlanning to remain at home, checking in on an out-of-town loved one, accessing resources and understanding next steps, finding support when things feel overwhelming or confusingReceiving guidance after a new or difficult diagnosis
Weekly or Daily Visits Near End of Life
Package: Ten hours – $900
Best for:
Individuals or families who need additional support alongside Hospice care or who want a steady, compassionate presence during this time. This can include:
Extra bedside support, Respite for caregivers, Guidance when a loved one becomes bedridden. Help planning after-death wishes. Support in understanding what’s happening physically and emotionally. Care for the family as well as the individual. Creating a peaceful, meaningful end-of-life experience.