We recently connected with Chantal Soucy and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chantal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project that I have started to date would definitely have to be my community project to start “Doula in the Den” Therapeutic Art Workshops & Sessions.
I know there are many different forms of grief, and as a death doula I often see how grief can affect people in a range of ways. I have also noticed a lack of community support for people who are experiencing grief and trying to work through it. Because of this, I have started to offer these “therapeutic art sessions” either in person or virtually, as group meetings or 1-on-1 for people to share in their grief.
I also know from personal experience as well as from studying the positives of therapeutic art or music environments that just the act of creating something can be therapeutic and beneficial both physically and mentally for people in every age group – whether you are an “artist” or not.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a certified Death Doula and owner of With Dignity Death Doula Services, primarily located in Calgary, Alberta. I offer non-medical end-of-life care and support for people (or pets if you wish), their caregivers or next of kin and family before, during and after their transition. I started my journey as a Death Doula in January 2021 after I recieved my certification, while I was studying for my Funeral Directing Diploma. I have since completed Dementia Care, Death Vigil Planning and End-of-Life Animal Care certifications, and basic In-Home Care training (self-care, transport, household care, etc)
I am also a self-taught artist, and have studied the benefits of creating art in many different situations, including people with a form of dementia, grief related support or people working through some form of addiction. Creating art is especially beneficial for people with brain injuries, palliative or hospice situations and in senior care. Knowing all of this and also having a life-long passion for art, “Doula in the Den” began (as my art page is called “The Rabbit’s Den”) to provide a space for people to come, create and hopefully get some support that they need.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I honestly find it most rewarding when I see that people are actually enjoying themselves during our time together and at the end of these sessions or workshops the person finishes the painting/project and they are really happy with it or amazed by the outcome – especially if they have never painted before. Anyone can be an artist, and it’s really fun to see the individual things each person is able to create.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have always wanted to be an independent artist/”my own boss” but there has also always been a part of me that knew my role in this life was to help or care for people in some way, but I never really knew how before. I have worked to recieve my certifications and education for care and have also tried to grow as an artist.
Over the past year I have gone to a few community meetings that discussed the real need for recreational activities or other therapeutic services and spaces for seniors in Calgary so I have become motivated and determined to be one of the people to provide these creative spaces to my community. I am trying to make these spaces as accessible as possible, so I sometimes offer them on a voluntary/free basis (and always to senior groups or facilities) so that everyone can at least try to experience the benefits of creating art once.
“With Dignity Death Doula Services is a non-denominational egalitarian organization because I believe everyone deserves dignity in life and in death”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.withdignitydoula.ca
- Instagram: @doulaintheden / @withdignitydoula
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/withdignitydoula www.facebook.com/doulaintheden
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/withdignitydoula?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Other: [email protected] [email protected]
Image Credits
Chantal Soucy
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