Oleksandra Nekipelova: Providing Support in Times of War
Oleksandra Nekipelova sat down at a desk in her apartment, lit a small candle, and opened her computer to join a video call with her client, Valeriia Korotchenko.
Client’s Perspective: Valeriia expressed feeling fundamentally powerless against the war launched by Russia on Ukraine. The near-daily Russian air attacks had made destruction and death a new normal in her life. She shared with Ms. Nekipelova her struggle to maintain faith in ever living peacefully again.
Role of a Death Doula: Ms. Nekipelova is a “death doula,” a professional who offers support and guidance to individuals coping with acute grief or facing death, whether their own or that of their loved ones. Unlike psychotherapists, death doulas do not aim to fix mental health issues but provide support, compassion, and a listening ear.
Valeriia Tereschenko: Coping with Grief Amidst Conflict
Valeriia Tereschenko, residing in Kyiv, Ukraine, has been seeking support from Oleksandra Nekipelova during these trying times.
Impact of War: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the work of death doulas like Nekipelova has become increasingly vital in Ukraine. In a country where death has become a daily reality for many, whether through news of a relative killed in battle or the sound of missiles hitting close to home.
