Thanadoula
Denise Lefebvre

My Philosophy

I believe that death should be a personal experience, not the cold, removed, clinical passing that society taught us to fear. It is the last journey we will take in this world and we should make the most of it.
We all deserve the death we want, to be supported in our wishes, to have our dignity intact. We can choose where we die and create the environment that will bring us the most peace.
Death care can combine modern medicine with caring and compassion; the two need not be mutually exclusive.

Media Interviews
CBC Life Unrehearsed
Click the MP3 file below to listen to the interview
My Story

I have lived my life taking care of others whenever needed. My empathy has led me to sense others’ distress and help in any way I can. I believe I have been on this path for many years, and that being a death doula is my calling.
I have been present at the passing of far too many loved ones: actively involved in the care and support of dying family members, from being present for appointments, to cleaning and dressing, and providing information and guidance and, lastly, to offering support until their last breath.
After seeing me in so many death situations, a friend observed how comforted people have been by my presence. I was unsure how to translate that into something useful, until I read an article about Death Doulas. That moment changed my life! Everything came together and I saw how everything that I am can finally be put to use, in service to others. All of my caring, compassion and comfort (and a passion for medical research and knowledge) can be channeled into being a death doula.
Training

Certified Thanadoula
Contemplative End Of Life Care program 2019
Institute of Traditional Medicine
Death Doula
End-Of-Life Doula Program 2020
Douglas College
Certified Community Interventionist
Psychological First Aid 2020
Johns Hopkins University
Funeral Celebrant Training
Certified Celebrants Association of Canada 2021
Grief Recovery Method Specialist
Greif Recovery Institute 2021
Johns Hopkins University
CBC Daybreak
Click on the link to listen to the interview
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-15/clip/15830521
Tout Seinplement Podcast
Click here E08 Vocation thanadoula...l'accompagnement vers la sérénité to listen to the interview (in French)