Participant’s reviews
Kind words
Preparing the Way is proud to deliver the most comprehensive end of life doula training across Australia and New Zealand. Covid forced us to take our training from face-to-face to Zoom – we are thrilled that this now gives us the opportunity to connect with people, wherever you may be.
Our Zoom training has received some fantastic feedback, hear what our doulas have to say about the training:
Who would have thought that spending four days talking about death and dying would leave me feeling uplifted and inspired. Even though we did it via Zoom it was incredibly intimate, fun and connected. The course content is incredibly in depth and varied, I learnt so so much. Helen is a force of nature in a positive, loving, generous and authentic way. I felt like I’d known her for ages straight off the bat. I absolutely loved the End of Life Doula training.
I was very resistant to do the course online, because I really need the physical presence to feel connected to others, however the connection was immediately, we were there so close, no barriers amongst us, even in the night the course finished, I emailed one of the participant saying that I would love to continue with our relationship, and she wrote back, that she was feeling the same and invited me to be as a Doula when they will have their baby.
I’d like to enhance how great is Helen as a facilitator, a lot of love and commitment towards her work. Very pleased having those beautiful souls in my life. Many thanks again Helen, Gratitude eternally.
I recently completed the 4 day Preparing the Way intensive training via Zoom with an amazing group of participants who shared their stories, experiences and supported each other over the 4 days. I enjoyed participating in the training via zoom, Helen was able to break us up into small groups for discussion and I felt connected to everyone throughout the training. Helen provided a caring learning environment and generously shared her passion, knowledge and resources. The course content is comprehensive and explores so many options and perspectives on preparing for the end of life journey. Participation in the course has confirmed my passion and commitment to being an end of life Doula.
Thank you Helen.
Preparing the Way is so beautifully put together. It answers so many delicate questions and ideas we have swimming in our heads. It helps us all in many ways to travel that journey with peace of mind. Helping family and friends to maybe view death as a ‘part of life’ and maybe helping family members in the future or others ‘travellers’ at this end part of the journey.
Who would have thought that spending four days talking about death and dying would leave me feeling uplifted and inspired. Even though we did it via Zoom it was incredibly intimate, fun and connected. The course content is incredibly in depth and varied, I learnt so so much. Helen is a force of nature in a positive, loving, generous and authentic way. I felt like I’d known her for ages straight off the bat. I absolutely loved the End of Life Doula training.
I was very resistant to do the course online, because I really need the physical presence to feel connected to others, however the connection was immediately, we were there so close, no barriers amongst us, even in the night the course finished, I emailed one of the participant saying that I would love to continue with our relationship, and she wrote back, that she was feeling the same and invited me to be as a Doula when they will have their baby.
I’d like to enhance how great is Helen as a facilitator, a lot of love and commitment towards her work. Very pleased having those beautiful souls in my life. Many thanks again Helen, Gratitude eternally.
I recently completed the 4 day Preparing the Way intensive training via Zoom with an amazing group of participants who shared their stories, experiences and supported each other over the 4 days. I enjoyed participating in the training via zoom, Helen was able to break us up into small groups for discussion and I felt connected to everyone throughout the training. Helen provided a caring learning environment and generously shared her passion, knowledge and resources. The course content is comprehensive and explores so many options and perspectives on preparing for the end of life journey. Participation in the course has confirmed my passion and commitment to being an end of life Doula.
Thank you Helen.
Preparing the Way is so beautifully put together. It answers so many delicate questions and ideas we have swimming in our heads. It helps us all in many ways to travel that journey with peace of mind. Helping family and friends to maybe view death as a ‘part of life’ and maybe helping family members in the future or others ‘travellers’ at this end part of the journey.
Recently I completed the 1 & 4 day End of Life training on Zoom with Preparing the Way. As an extrovert I thrive in group training sessions in person & get very inspired & motivated when a group physically comes together with the same focus.
I was a little hesitant to see how an online course with Zoom & Helen would work with such delicate and intimate training around End of Life training- also with students nationally! Well it worked incredibly well!! Like all of us during this unsettling time many new positives are also happening .
Zoom is one of them and I wouldn’t hesitate jumping onto another workshop with Helen after this one. I absolutely loved the loving ,nutrition and educational space Helen held for us all on camera during our recent courses in May .
The whole group bonded so quickly -almost instantly and the balance of training as Helen taught combined with Zoom classroom breakout session and reading material with our group was seamless! Our group opened up so quickly with sharing and feedback over the four days and to be honest I missed our sessions once day 4 was complete and training was done .
I have been wanting to do this training for two years – being stood down due to Covid-19 finally gave me some free time! Initially I only signed up for the one day course, to see whether I liked the content and whether it came across okay via ZOOM. I needn’t have been concerned.
Helen is an incredibly engaging communicator and being on ZOOM wasn’t ever an issue. Having the right quiet space at my end certainly helped, I loved being able to connect deeply with my fellow trainees and Helen via ZOOM – and in my own environment. It helped the course content resonate and made it very “real”, and I felt incredibly connected to bringing Helen’s teachings into my own world. In many ways I feel more empowered by doing the course via ZOOM as I did my learning here, in my space, and I can now take those learnings to my community. I would certainly recommend ZOOM and it’s probably now my preferred choice for training. I am looking forward to meeting Helen and my training team in person when the time is right – I feel like it will be old friends catching up again.
Helen is a standout presenter and star. She is refreshingly candid, generous in sharing her experiences and expert at leading the group through the well-structured and paced course. Given the content, Helen also created a safe, inclusive environment, checking in with each individual and the group as a whole to make sure everyone was supported through the process and supplied with treats along the way. I really enjoyed the zoom course and how it progressed from sharing individual experiences, listening to Helen talking through the course folder, to group break out activities and the final day of watching the exceptional Natural Grace videos. I also appreciated the pace and breaks which allowed us to turn off zoom and have private time throughout the day. And lastly my fellow participants were an added surprise highlight, amazing women with diverse experiences and insights to share.
It was exactly what I wanted and more than I had expected. The course folder is jammed with information and contacts which I am currently re-reading, and one of the last activities you do in the course is to create a next steps list so you are well prepared to continue your journey.
~ Anne, Librarian, Newtown
The Preparing the Way foundation workshop and 4 day course delivered everything that was promised… and more. There was a clear description of who a doula is and what kind of support they provide. Along with some wonderful discussions among the participants, there was appropriate information and practical experience.
Helen’s approach is professional, collaborative and encouraging. She has the ability to identify stumbling blocks, whether they be theoretical or personal, and finds the right way forward for each person. Her approach certainly reflects the premise that an End of Life Doula is about compassion and care.
There is also a strong focus on the business aspects of starting out which means participants leave with tangible plans for where they go from here.
~ Gabrielle A., Counsellor
I attended the End of Life Preparing the Way one day Foundation Workshop and found it to be such a valuable experience! I now feel I have a much greater understanding and interest in helping people who are terminally ill and am able to share a greater knowledge of death and dying from a perspective of positivity and life-force in Preparing the Way.
~ Di B., Natural Therapist, Reiki Master
I found Helen to be just the ray of light I needed to get through this workshop. It was as equally provoking as it was profound. Having never spent any time contemplating my own mortality or someone close to me dying it has been without doubt pretty transformational. The fear that I had instilled in my own head that shrouded my idea of death is no longer present. As a doula, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend I couldn’t recommend a more holistic but approachable course to help you understand the last and possibly the most important transition in your life. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Helen.
~ Olivia DK., Birth Doula, Manager
Helen is a force of nature! Her energy, compassion & commitment to Doula’ing & education is infectious. During the course she generously shares her knowledge and experience and creates a safe and nurturing environment where all participants feel appreciated and valued. Throughout the course she encourages and supports every participant and creates a learning environment that anyone that wants truly to move forward with this, feels confident and empowered in their capacity to do so. Thank you, Helen
~ Shelley C.
I would recommend this course for anyone who might be dealing with someone who is palliative. It gives a good overview of what the last few days can be like. It also gives practical guidance about the legal aspects such as making a will, power of attorney and other issues that come up at the end of one’s life. It is a very supportive course and run by women who are sensitive to the emotional content and run the course with respect and dignity.
~ Kate C., Social Worker Palliative Care
The End of Life one day workshop was riveting from the first to the very last moment. Helen is a charismatic and invigorating presenter who leaves you wanting more. Her stories are inspiring and heart-warming. Her depth of knowledge and experience are as impressive as her humility. I am counting the minutes till the 3-day course I will be attending.
~ Lee C., Educator, Editor, Doula
As a baby boomer I realised it was time for me to start planning for a good death. Death literally is the new revolution so I decided to debunk the myths & understand my rights and choices as far as my mortality. It’s time we all started this conversation. I think Preparing the Way End of Life Doula training was professionally presented by Helen Callanan who was extremely helpful & sensitive to the needs of the group as we moved through uncharted waters. Helens strong voice and leadership in this field is inspirational.
~ Barb Z., Education, Volunteer Manager
If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of a supported, informed & personal death experience this workshop is the beginning of a world of new & dignified death choices. Truly the best workshop I have taken part in. Thank you.
~ Karen S., Disability and Palliative Nurse
The one-day workshop was the overview I was looking for in assisting my decision about pursuing being an end of life Doula. Helen’s experience in the field and passion for the work, made for an informative and insightful day. I’m looking forward to the three-day course. Thank you, Helen.
~ Leigh B., Manager
A realistic view of the ‘traveller’ at the end of life journey where many of our needs were heard and handled with empathy and caring.
~ Jenny D-E., Registered Nurse/Midwife/Educator/Doula, Sydney
I just completed the 1-day workshop via skype & even though we were miles apart I still felt the “good energy” which made this day real. I left the day feeling loaded with great information, resources & tools to keep me going until the 3-day course. This session helped me cement my curiosity to know/learn more about this wonderful profession & the people who do it.
~ Fiona M.
What an amazing workshop that provided me with an insight on how I can help support beings in their final days. It was also great to dispel the many fears and anxieties that I have had. I feel able to better support loved ones in understanding the process which is a normal part of life and a rite of passage for every human being.
~ Kelly P., Birth Doula / Childbirth Educator & Assessor, Sydney
Last weekend I had the privilege of doing the 3-day Doula course in Sydney. Over the years I have done many courses on similar subjects and found out more about what I need to know, than any other course I’ve done to date. The course material was brilliant as was our leader Helen Callanan. The space that Helen provided was welcoming, loving and raw. I’ve come away knowing that I am and always have been a Doula, that I’m not alone and that there is a place for our work to be done. Thank you, Helen, from the bottom of my heart.
~ Louise L,. Care Giver, Doula
I couldn’t imagine how a better package be put together of the understanding of the threads that get pulled together in the end of life. This course got me to see so many fundamental issues that need addressing and the multitudes of ways how to handle situations practically, compassionately and with loving kindness.
~ AnnMarie B., South Africa