“Death touches, perturbs and mystifies us all” Maria is an End-of-Life Doula and Psychotherapist based in Melbourne. She feels passionate that everyone deserves to be supported at End-of-Life, both emotionally and practically, deeply understood and empowered to access their own wisdom, resources and strengths. Maria’s particular interests lie in providing emotional-existential support to mediate a sense of meaning, connection and purpose. Honouring and creating sacred space, providing information and resources and before & after death planning and care. She felt called to serve as a Doula after experiencing the death of a close friend, her mother in-law and then her own baby, in the space of 3 years. She has been in vigil with people dying and their loved ones since her youth as part of the traditions of her cultural heritage. Her lived experiences of supporting people in death and dying as a body and soul transition has been a profound and life long journey for Maria. Her experience has taught her that the journey to death and beyond brings challenges and sorrow, as well as joys, opportunity and an abundance of love. She is also a mum, provides animal assisted therapy with her dog, enjoys exploring the mysteries of life and death – most notably through her ‘Living Funeral Ceremony’ workshops. Check out her musings under the Blog tab