Sacred Grove
End of Life Doula and Grief Companion Services
My name is Kristi McCreadie and I am an End of Life Doula and Grief Care Companion providing holistic wraparound services for those navigating the end of life journey. I walk alongside individuals and families from the moment of a terminal diagnosis through to post-loss grief care. My mission is to create a compassionate, supportive space where you can feel heard, honored, and held during life’s most vulnerable transition.
My Approach
I blend professional training with deep empathy and compassion for those experiencing the end of life journey and transition. I practice the companioning model of grief care that focuses on being present and compassionate with the bereaved, rather than trying to fix or resolve their grief. It emphasizes listening, observing, and creating a safe space for the terminally ill and their loved ones to share their stories and experience their grief in emotionally healthy ways.
Holistic Care:
I believe that mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. I draw on therapeutic modalities such as mindfulness practices and ceremony and ritual work to foster healing through grief on all levels. Holistic grief care acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and offers a comprehensive approach to healing after loss and I utilize strategies that address emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and help promote healing.
Nature-Based Support:
Connecting with nature can be a powerful way to honor loved ones and find solace during grief. Nature offers a sanctuary for reflection, a chance to connect with the natural world, and a way to remember and honor those who have passed away. Through activities like nature walks, creating memorial gardens, and outdoor remembrance ceremonies I help guide you into a sense of comfort and peace during and after the loss of a loved one.
All-Inclusive Assistance:
From practical planning and emotional support at end of life to bereavement counseling and grief processing, I provide coordination of resources and advocacy for your loved ones needs in medical, legal, and community settings during this very challenging phase of transition at the end of life.
Why I Do This Work
I have witnessed first hand the profound impact of a dedicated and compassionate professional presence during life’s final chapter and as an end of life doula and grief care companion, I have seen how ceremony, storytelling, and mindful practices can transform fear and isolation into connection and meaning. It is an honor to guide you and your loved one through these end of life transitions.
My Approach
Compassionate Support and Companioning the Mourner
Although my background is grounded in the classical medical model of bereavement care, I have shifted my focus to advocate for a caregiving approach known as “companioning,” as articulated by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Companioning those who are grieving does not involve assessing, analyzing, fixing, or attempting to resolve their grief. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of being fully present with the mourner, temporarily serving as a guardian of their emotional well-being. This model is rooted in a “teach me” perspective, prioritizing learning and observation. The term “observance” has its origins in ritual and signifies not only the act of watching but also the commitments to honor, safeguard, and bear witness.
In my role as a bereavement caregiver, I consider myself a companion rather than a “guide,” as the latter implies an understanding of another’s innermost experiences that I cannot possess. To truly companion others means to observe and learn from them. Recognizing our need for learning, instead of succumbing to the urge to portray ourselves as experts, is fundamental to the authentic practice of companioning.
At Sacred Grove Grief Companion Services, I provide compassionate support through grief counselling and mindfulness practices. My approach is tailored to help individuals navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with grief and loss. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their feelings and find healing.
Get in Touch
Let’s Connect 🌼
If you or a loved one are facing a terminal diagnosis or navigating grief, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that incorporates your values, eases your burdens, and honors the beauty of every stage. Please reach out to schedule a free introductory consultation — your journey toward peace and healing begins with a single conversation.
"In holding space for one another, we find the courage to release, to remember, and to continue living with love"
Tel: 780-364-3364