Holding Space
...an end of life practice
Christine Ruggiero is a certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Coach, a non-medical holistic practitioner who is specifically trained to care for someone physically, emotionally and spiritually during the process of death. End-of-Life Doulas, also known as Death Doulas, support, educate, and uphold the wishes of the dying.
"What does it mean to hold space for someone else? It means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control." - Heather Plett
Mission Statement:While being pragmatic and heart-centered, my mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive support to individuals and their loved ones during the end-of-life journey. No one should have to go through this journey alone.I believe...- that every person deserves to be surrounded by care, comfort, and dignity as they navigate this significant stage of life.- in personalized care plans that respect the unique values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of the individuals I serve.- an environment of peace, comfort, and emotional well-being allows individuals and their loved ones to find meaning, connection, and closure during this profound transition.Ultimately, my mission is to honor the sanctity of life by providing holistic, dignified end-of-life support, ensuring that each individual's final chapter is marked by compassion, grace, and profound respect.
I have always had an intuitive connection the human body, energy work, and the death process. I embrace a heart-centered, nonjudgmental, holistic approach to working with my clients. Diversity and inclusivity are core values and are of the utmost importance. Death is the thread that connects us all."As doulas, I believe it is possible to transform lives (and deaths) with the work we do."After graduating from the New York College of Health Professionals, I became a New York State Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with an emphasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was during this time that I cared for my mother, and subsequently my father, at their time of death."It was an honor to be able to share their respective journeys."During the pandemic, I was encouraged to discover a "career" that aligned with my heart and ultimately became an End-of-Life Doula and Death Coach."We've disassociated ourselves from aging and death to the point that we can't even discuss it. The pandemic emphasized our need for human connection more than ever."I currently facilitate multiple Death Cafés in the Las Vegas area. My goal is to empower people to discuss their thoughts surrounding death and to promote death positivity.I am a proud member of the International Doulagivers Membership Association and the National Home Funeral Association. I am also a volunteer at Order of the Good Death.
To discuss end-of-life concerns, Christine can be reached by
text / call (702) 280-2743
or by completing the form below:
It's never "too soon" to begin the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions:Why Would I Choose a Death Doula?
- Caregiving without support is difficult, we gently assist in the process
- Death is #1 leading fear, we bring presence and peace
- Nine out of ten people prefer to die at home, we ease the transition
- To "close" the gap in hospice careWhat Does an End-of-Life Doula Do?
- Support the dying person and caregiver emotionally, physically, energetically, and spiritually
- Assistance with Advance Directive for health care at any stage of life
- Connect the dying person and their loved ones with local resources
- Foster open communication with medical professionals, hospice teams, and other caregivers
- Education on the physical aspects of dying
- Respite and support for the dying and their caregiver- Encourage forgiveness dialogue for dying person and loved ones
- Offer breath techniques for the dying person and their caregiver
- Utilize guided imagery for presencing
- Offer personalized aromatherapy
- Facilitate Life Review and Legacy Projects- Develope Vigil Plan and create a calm, sacred space during the vigil
- Advocate for the dying person's final wishes
- Educate the loved ones to lovingly care for the body before/after deathWhat Doesn't an End-of-Life Doula do?
- Mental health counseling
- Administer medications
- Medical care or advice
- Funeral planning
- Give legal advice
- Will preparation
- Wound care
- Take overWhen Would I Need a Death Doula?
- At the initial diagnosis of a terminal disease
- At any time during the end-of-life process
- When considering the gift of an Advance DirectiveDo you offer a consultation?
I offer a complementary consultation in which to get to know and better understand the situation at hand. It also gives the client a chance to get to know me and see if we are a good fit.Each situation is unique, and working with a death doula ensures individualized care at the end of a loved one's life.All services are permission-based as the dying person has ultimate say in their care.
What does it cost?
Doula services are not billable through insurance so expect an out-of-pocket cost. Hourly prices are dependent on type of service and the number of services provided.I offer package rates and "a la carte" rates for individual services such as an Advance Directive, Life / Death Coaching, Breath Work, Vigil Planning, Bereavement Organization and Swedish Death Cleaning, etc.After our consultation, I will provide you with a customized plan within 24 hours.Sliding scale is available and is based on the Green Bottle Model from Worts + Cunning.
2022 Holding Space Las Vegas LLC
Artwork by SculptTheWorld
HSLV acknowledges the indigenous people that have called southern Nevada home for centuries: the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) and the Ancestral Pueblo.