The Shira Ruskay Center

How to Become a Doula

The Doula to Accompany and Comfort program trains qualified volunteers from the New York City area three times a year. The training consists of eight weekly 2-hour sessions. A wide-array of resource materials is provided.

During training Doulas explore their own thoughts and feelings as well as the literature on end of life care, with the goal of developing self awareness and understanding of these issues.

The training assists the Doula to understand:

the need for self-awareness when working with individuals and families
the impact of cultural factors
individual needs as death approaches
spiritual issues
advanced directives
the structure of the healthcare systems in which they may work

A minimum commitment of 18 months of volunteering is required after the completion of the training. Doulas are assigned to visit one person at a time until the person dies. They visit at least once a week, and frequently more often.

Doulas receive phone support from staff and attend regular meetings where they share experiences, provide support for one another, and receive additional training. An annual remembrance ceremony is held to honor the memory of those whom the Doulas have served.

Doulas represent a range of ages, ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. Doulas say the experience enriches their own lives and that they receive as much as they give.

Next Training: Starts on Sept 25th, 2008. (Call or email for more information.)

If you are interested in becoming a Doula, please send an e-mail briefly expressing why you would like to do this work. Please include your address and phone numbers so that we can contact you to make an appointment for an interview.

Contact , Judith Kahn, MA, 212-399-2685 x 220, or Amy Levine, LMSW, 212-399-2685 x 214.

©2008 The Shira Ruskay Center
120 West 57th Street · New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 664-1632 · Fax: (212) 399-2475 ·
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