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Dr. Martha Jo Atkins
A Death Doula’s Perspective on End-of-Life Care
How can one better prepare themselves for the death of a loved one?
What is the role of a death doula, and how do they provide support during the end-of-life journey?
In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, hosts Riley and Dr. Michelle engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Martha Jo Atkins, an experienced end-of-life licensed professional counselor, coach, speaker, and author. With over three decades of expertise in end-of-life and grief counseling, Dr. Atkins is a notable figure who has significantly contributed to the field of end-of-life care.
Listeners gain insights into the diverse responsibilities of death doulas, including emotional support, facilitating end-of-life discussions, legacy and meaning-making, family support, and practical assistance. The episode highlights the transformative and beautiful moments in the dying process, sharing touching stories that underscore the uniqueness of each individual’s journey.
About Dr. Martha Jo
Dr. Martha Jo Atkins is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in end-of-life and grief counseling. Her passion lies in working within homes, guiding families, as they care for a loved one in their final moments. As a psychotherapist, coach, and doula, she offers invaluable support during these challenging times.
She founded the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and served as the Executive Director of Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying in San Antonio. She is also the author of “Signposts of Dying” and the visionary behind Dying School (D-School), a platform aimed at enhancing our capacity to engage in meaningful conversations and provide compassionate care during the end-of-life process.
In this episode we chat about:
- Dr. Martha Jo Atkins’ Approach to Grief and End-of-Life (00:40)
- What is and What Does a Death Doula Do? (05:37)
- Creating Spaces for Open Conversations on Loss (10:54)
- Stories of Profound Beauty in Dying (17:24)
- The Changing Landscape of End-of-Life Support (26:23)
- A Guide to Starting Death Discussions (31:21)
Episode resources:
- Find Grief Support at Sofia Health (website)
- Book an End-of-Life Doula at Sofia Health (book session)
- Dr. Martha Jo on Instagram (Instagram)
- Register to the Dying (D) School (website)
Other resources:
- Submit to be a guest (apply now)
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- Find more resources on the Sofia Unfiltered Blog (read more)
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