I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.

In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli explores grief, connection, and a little-known practice called the psychomanteum. Joined by Dr. Irene Blinston, researcher, author, and grief practitioner, they talk about what this experience actually looks like, how it is used in grief work, and what people report during and after a session.

This conversation breaks down the structure of a psychomanteum, including the controlled environment, altered state of consciousness, and guided process. Dr. Blinston discusses her research, including measurable reductions in grief symptoms and the importance of preparation, screening, and debriefing.

Key takeaways include:

• What a psychomanteum is and how it works
• What people experience, beyond expectations of “contact”
• Why healing can occur even without seeing or hearing a loved one
• The role of environment, ritual, and altered awareness in grief processing
• Who this work is and is not appropriate for

Whether you approach this topic from a psychological, spiritual, or curious perspective, this episode offers a grounded look at how people process grief and maintain connection after loss. It opens the door to conversations that are often avoided, while keeping safety, ethics, and personal meaning at the center.

Links/Resources

• Dr. Irene Blinston: https://portaltohealinggrief.com
• Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com
• Get a free copy of Dr. Blinston’s eBook, “Gazing into the Afterlife" at https://freebook.portaltohealinggrief.com

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.

In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli discusses one of the hardest questions families face: when is it time for hospice. Joined by David Zartman and Joanna Franco from Caring House Hospice, they talk about what hospice really is, why families often wait too long, and how to start the conversation with a loved one.

This conversation focuses on real experiences inside a hospice home, including what care looks like, how families respond, and what shifts when support is in place. You’ll hear how caregivers recognize change, why the word “hospice” can feel so heavy, and how quality of life becomes the center of decision-making.

Key takeaways include how to approach the hospice conversation, what families often misunderstand, and why support matters not just for the person who is dying, but for everyone around them.

This episode is for caregivers, families, and professionals who want a clearer, more grounded understanding of hospice and end-of-life care. It aims to normalize these conversations and give you a way to start them earlier, with more clarity and less fear.

Links/Resources

• Caring House Hospice: https://www.yourcaringhouse.org
• Host: Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.

In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli discusses long-term care planning and the question most people avoid: who will take care of you if you need help.

Joined by Raymond Lavine, founder of Lavine LTC Benefits, they walk through what long-term care really looks like and why so many families are unprepared. This conversation goes beyond insurance. It focuses on caregiving, independence, and the real impact on families when there is no plan in place.

Key Takeaways:

• Most people do not think about long-term care until a crisis forces the conversation
• Medicare and traditional health insurance do not cover most long-term care needs
• Long-term care is not just medical, it includes daily support like bathing, dressing, and supervision
• Having a plan gives you control over where and how you receive care
• Long-term care planning protects both your independence and your family
• Starting the conversation early gives you more options and better outcomes

This episode is designed to help you start the conversation before a crisis. Whether you are planning for yourself, supporting aging parents, or working in end-of-life care, this discussion offers clear, practical insight into one of the most overlooked parts of aging

Links/Resources

• Guest: Raymond Lavine - https://www.lavineltcins.com
• Host: Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com

If this conversation made you think about your own plan or someone you love, share it with them. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes.