Compassion
refers to the arising in the heart of the desire to relieve the suffering of all beings.
-Ram Dass
Embracing the end of life boldly, with knowledge, dignity, and support, can bring confidence and peace at the end of life’s journey. Here to support you, your caregivers, and your loved ones, it is my honor to walk this journey alongside you, assisting you and empowering you, to prepare for the sacred passage you desire. Offering services virtually or in person, I am here to meet you wherever you are, offering comfort, clarity, and care.
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Sharon Hutson, MS, CT
End-of Life Doula - NEDA Proficient
Death Educator and Coach, Bereavement and Grief Companion
About Sharon
Embracing the Journey is the culmination of decades of professional service in end-of-life settings and personal experiences of death and non-death loss.
My first, of what would be many, experiences with death came before I was a teenager. It would be many years before I learned how our society's way of not openly talking about death and dying would shape my attitudes toward what is truly as sacred and natural a part of life as the birth of a child.
A career that began in medical social work led me to care for and support the elderly and the dying. In various healthcare settings and roles, I have advocated for the necessary care and services for those living in these settings, as well as for their caregivers.
It was the illness and eventual death of my mother that shifted the focus of my work exclusively to supporting the grieving and the dying. In my journey of her death and my grief, I found little meaningful support and felt left to navigate a profound journey of loss on my own. I learned in the years that followed the need to embrace not just the good moments in life, but also the grief and all it entailed. I now dedicate my time to supporting others in finding the support they need in their own experiences of dying and grief.
In helping others plan their end-of-life wishes and prepare for the personalized death experience they desire, I am honored to provide an invaluable gift to those I serve, their families, and their loved ones. By supporting the dying and grieving process, my personal experience and professional skills empower, comfort, and guide individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of life's most natural transition.
My Approach
Embracing the Journey's comprehensive approach focuses on promoting realistic and holistic end-of-life planning, fostering meaningful connections, and facilitating personalized end-of-life planning and experiences. I prioritize individualized care, respecting the unique values, beliefs, and preferences of each person I serve, honoring their journey with empathy and respect.
Services
Compassionate, Holistic Support
Explore my diverse range of services designed to provide comfort, guidance, and companionship throughout the end-of-life journey. From advance care planning to grief support groups, I am committed to meeting the unique needs of each individual and their loved ones.
Advance Planning
Personalized Preparation
Advance care planning services focus on helping you articulate your preferences for the future. Through thoughtful and real conversations, we’ll explore what is holistically important to you, developing a written plan that supports your values and wishes to be honored when needed. I can help facilitate sharing your wishes with your family to encourage their understanding and support.
Death Companioning
Facilitated Transitions
Preparing for death with education, legacy planning, and referrals to local resources can ease feelings of fear. As death nears, I offer compassionate presence and practical support to individuals and their loved ones nearing the end of life, offering emotional support, advocacy, and assistance in creating your ideal end-of-life space. Even death occurring in a hospital setting can be humanized, personalized, and sacred. I can help facilitate this process, allowing the best possible experience in this unexpected space.
Grief Support Group
Understanding Loss
This group is offered to bring comfort and help you find solace, laughter, and a supportive community as you navigate your journey of grief. Every grief experience is unique and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. However, many find it can be easier with the support of others on the same journey. I offer my expertise as a Death Doula and Grief Specialist in this space to honor grief and loss, while supporting healing, following loss due to the death of a loved one.
There is no cost to attend this support group.
Bereavement and Grief Support
Compassionate Healing
The experience of bereavement and the journey
of grief can feel lonely. As a grief specialist, I am
here to create a supportive space for individuals or families to share their stories, express their emotions, and find solace and connection.
Legacy Work and Life Review
Remembering You
For the dying who are ready to begin the important work of creating their legacy or exploring how they want to be remembered, the journey of a life review and initiation of legacy work is so powerful. It is my honor to help you explore these experiences and create a lasting remembrance of a life well-lived.
Vigil Support
Uniquely for You
Considering what is important to you at the time of your death is a personal, and often unthought-of plan. Supporting your deathbed vigil planning ensures your ideal space is planned for, your beliefs, practices, and unique wants are considered, and your wishes are honored. And when the time comes, I can help your loved ones carry out your plan as intended.
Pricing
I believe quality end-of-life care should be available to everyone.
If you have questions about pricing or have special circumstances,
Introductory Consultation
This introductory meeting is approximately 30 minutes and can be conducted by phone or video conference. It's a chance for us to get to know each other briefly and determine my services fit your needs.
Complimentary Planning Session
This care planning session is limited to 2 hours and is best conducted in person. Selecting an end-of-life doula to accompany you on your journey is a personal decision and one best made with a face-to face visit. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, review a full list of services, and develop a proposed service plan. I will answer any questions you may have and we will finalize any financial arrangements at this time. We will schedule this together following your Introductory Consultation.
Advance Planning Package
A series of 2 meetings following an initial, complimentary consultation. The first meeting spent discussing your wishes and end-of-life choices. The second, reviewing your formalized plan, answering questions, and discussing next steps.
2 - One hour meetings and completed documents
$200
(Plus tax)
Life Review and
Legacy Work Package
A package for those desiring to focus on exploration of meaning and legacy work, yet not in need of support at the end of their journey.
What's Included:
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An initial 2-hour visit to discuss goals, plans, and support
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Life review work with the dying person, to support their exploration of meaning
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Development and planning of a legacy project to be enacted by the dying person and/or their family
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Support enacting the legacy project
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Each visit includes a brief guided meditation (typically at the end of the session)
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10 minute check-in calls in between sessions
8 - One -1.5 hour visits
$700
(Plus tax)
Hourly Sessions
(may be used toward any services offered)
All services and travel time are billed on an hourly basis (with the exception of a la carte services.)
$85 per hour
(Plus tax)
10-Hour Package
This option may be applied to all of my services and includes travel time. It may be used cumulatively, and the time doesn't expire. This may be a perfect option to consider as a loving gift for a distant family member or friend in need of end-of-life support.
$750
(Plus tax)
Upcoming Events
With a deep commitment to advocacy and empathy, Sharon provides unwavering support throughout the end-of-life journey. Through educational workshops and community partnerships, that commitment is extended. Consider these upcoming events.
