About
Traci Arieli
Hello and welcome! I’m grateful that you’ve taken a moment to learn more about me.
My journey to becoming an end-of-life doula has been deeply influenced by a personal tragedy – the loss of a close family member to suicide. This experience exposed me to the stark realities of grief and the often inadequate support provided by those around us. It ignited in me a resolve to be a source of compassion, understanding, and skilled guidance for others facing the complexities of end-of-life and the many emotions that accompany it.
From advance planning and directives to creating memorable legacy projects, I've been honored to support many individuals and their families. The end-of-life journey can often be overwhelming, filled with a myriad of emotions and decisions. This is where I step in. My commitment is to alleviate some of that burden, providing the solace of respite and vigil sitting, ensuring that neither you nor your loved ones ever have to face these moments alone.
In addition to my role as a doula, I wear the hat of a grief coach. Grief is an emotion that's deeply personal and unique to each individual. Through my experiences and training, I've come to understand its intricacies and the profound impact it can have. Regardless of where you are in the U.S., I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, understanding, and a listening ear.
Beyond my professional roles, my dedication to this field is reflected in my volunteer work. I have offered my time and expertise in hospice settings, supporting those at the very end of their journey. Additionally, I've been involved in 24-hour crisis support at hospitals. In these critical moments, my responsibilities spanned from providing information about patients' rights regarding medical care to offering immediate assistance with shelter, clothing, and transportation, and ensuring individuals receive the referrals to services they need.
My training as an end-of-life doula through Lifespan Doulas and my achievement in passing the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance Proficiency exam have further equipped me with the knowledge and skills to serve you best. These accomplishments, while significant, are secondary to the genuine joy and fulfillment I derive from making a positive difference in someone's life. It's an honor to be part of your journey.
Mission & Values
Mission
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I’m committed to being there for individuals and families during life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s helping with advance directives and preparation, offering a comforting presence for those nearing the end, or providing grief support to loved ones, my mission is to make sure everyone feels heard, respected, and supported.
I believe it’s crucial to maintain a good quality of life until the very end. By really listening to each person’s wishes and needs, I aim to create a personalized journey that truly reflects their values and desires. Empowering people in this way is key to honoring and respecting everyone’s unique story.
Beyond just practical support, I’m passionate about changing how we talk about aging, death, and grief. By normalizing these conversations, we can reduce the taboo and fear around them and empower people to live the life they want, even when facing these challenges.
Ultimately, I want to build a community where everyone feels at ease discussing these important parts of life, where saying goodbye is a peaceful and meaningful experience, and where lasting comfort is found in the connections we share.
Values
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Compassionate Support – To deliver empathetic care and comprehensive support, seamlessly blending kindness with assistance to clients and their families.
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Dignity- To respect the intrinsic worth of every individual by honoring their end-of-life wishes and personal narratives.
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Integrity- To commit to the highest ethical practices, with honesty and transparency as the foundation of trust with clients and partners.
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Collaboration – To engage in meaningful partnerships with healthcare professionals and community resources to provide holistic care.
Education
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Holding Space Grief Consultant, The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death
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Grief Work Teacher Training, The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death
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Grief Work Training, The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death
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Understanding Trauma for Birth & Death Doulas, The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death
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End-of-Life Doula Training, Lifespan Doulas
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Body Temple Yoga School
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Illinois