.png)
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is a Death Doula?
A. A "Death Doula” is an emerging role in death and grief care. Much like a Birth Doula ushers a new life into the world, a Death Doula helps individuals through the labor of ending life and concluding their human existence. A Death Doula guides a person who is transitioning to death and their loved ones through the dying process. The doula will provide non-medical emotional, spiritual, and physical support to everyone involved. Above all, the doula listens deeply to the concerns, fears, hopes, and life stories of the dying person and their loved ones to bring them peace at the end of life. The doula holds the space for the kind of dying experience that honors who the ill person is and has been in their life and helps them live with purpose up to the final breath. The doula also supports the individual's family and friends.
Q. Will insurance or Medicare cover Death Doula or Grief Peer Support/Coaching services?
A. Unfortunately, these services are not currently covered by any insurance. While these services are not currently covered by insurance or Medicare, it's worth keeping an eye on potential coverage in the future.
Pricing has been structured to maintain accessibility and affordability. Please contact Genna via email if you have questions about sliding scale and/or pro bono work.
Q. Are you a licensed,
clinical counselor?
A. No, I am not a licensed clinical counselor. I am a peer counselor. I provide grief support, education, and coaching, not psychotherapy or clinical treatment. I cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat mental health conditions. My work is grounded in evidence-informed grief education and compassionate presence, and I often complement—not replace—clinical care. When someone needs clinical or therapeutic support, I encourage and support connection with licensed mental health providers.
​
Read more about my qualifications and training on the About Genna page.
Q. Why did you choose the name “Invictus” for your services?
A. I chose this name because I fell in love with the “Invictus” poem written by the Victorian-era British poet William Ernest Henley in 1875. The poem captured my attention as a high school student because it spoke with such conviction about maintain perseverance, courage, and integrity while taking control of your life’s path. The sentiment of this charge has stuck with me over the years and now it informs my desire to help clients and their loved ones be the captain of their own grief and death processes.
Q. My dying loved one has declined to work with a Death Doula, but I still need outside grief support and education. Can I work with you?
A. Yes! Invictus By Genna: Grief & Loss Services offers full-spectrum support for the dying, as well as their caretakers and loved ones. It is a common occurrence for loved ones to seek out the support of a Death Doula or mental health professional when the dying person has decided not to participate. Let’s chat about how I can best support you.
Q. Do you work with clients who are considering MAiD and VSED?
A. Yes. I work with individuals and families who are considering or navigating MAiD (Medical Aid in Dying) or VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking) by offering grief support, education, and emotional respite. My role focuses on helping people process the emotional, relational, and meaning-making aspects of these decisions and experiences.
​
At this time, I do not provide active monitoring or practical support during the dying process itself. When clients need hands-on, clinical, or bedside support during active dying, I encourage and help connect them with appropriate medical, hospice, or end-of-life care providers.
​
Please see my Resources page for preferred partners.
Q. How do I know
what services I need?
A. The best way to find out which services you need and want is for us to talk together to learn about your personal circumstances. I call this a Discovery Session – a free 20-minute consultation via phone call or video chat. You can review the list of my services online first here, but it is not required. The beauty of working with me is that the process is personalized to you and your unique circumstances. I invite any questions you may have and look forward to discussing how I can best support you.
