Spiritual Care at BAH

~~ Our support services are non-denominational and inclusive of all ~~

We serve those who are atheistic or agnostic; spiritual seekers who are not religious; and those with specific religious beliefs. Clients who have particular religious doctrinal needs will be referred to the appropriate community clergy person.

Spiritual Care is provided by Muriel Wolf, Spiritual Companion at Brattleboro Area Hospice. For more information, contact Muriel at muriel.wolf@brattleborohospice.org

The support services below are offered through the Spiritual Care Program:

Reflection:

  • Conversation/Exploration Journaling
  • Readings Prayer
  • Creating an Altar Expressive Arts
  • Creative Visualization Ceremony/Ritual
  • Embodied Dreamwork                    
  • Calling in the Ancestors
  • Breath Work Gratitude Practice
  • Guided Meditation: Compassion, Lovingkindness, and Relaxation Meditation

Resolution and Completion (addressing end of life issues):

  • Forgiveness and Amends
  • Regret and Remorse
  • Gratitude and Blessings
  • Conflict Resolution (Internal and Relational)
  • Reconciliation
  • Unfinished Business
  • Family Conversations 
  • Letters to Family and Friends
  • Writing an Obituary
  • Formulating Last Wishes
  • Recounting Life Experiences

Mediation: The Spiritual Companion can be present at, facilitate or mediate difficult conversations (with family members, health care providers) using the methods of Non-Violent Communication.

Below is a selection of educational/growth/support opportunities that will be made available specifically for Hospice, Bereavement and ACP Volunteers through the Spiritual Companionship Program:

Individual Spiritual Counseling for volunteers who are facing spiritual questions, challenges or concerns related to their volunteer work, using any of the methods described previously.

In-Service Trainings on an array of topics including:

  • Healthy Boundaries 
  • Fostering Spiritual Presence 
  • Emotional Considerations
  • How to Create an Energetic Field of Caring
  • The Practice of Metta (Lovingkindness) Meditation for Clients and Their Families
  • The Setting of Intentions in Working with Clients
  • Working with Projection, Transference and Counter-transference

Multiple-meeting workshops including readings, writing, reflection, discussion, and experiential exercises, on these topics and others:

  • Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
  • Exploring a Spiritual Path
  • Writing a Spiritual Autobiography
  • Exploring the Soul-Journey 
  • Identifying Spiritual Yearnings and Goals
  • Investigating One’s Views, Beliefs and Fears about Death