Finding Light in Darkness: The Role of Death Doulas in Ukraine

In a quiet corner of her apartment, Oleksandra Nekipelova prepared for another video call, lighting a small candle to create a calm atmosphere. She sat at her desk, her computer screen flickering to life as she welcomed her client, Valeriia Korotchenko, into the virtual space. “Tell me, please, what would you like to discuss today?” Ms. Nekipelova gently prompted.

Valeriia, visibly weighed down by the turmoil surrounding her, expressed her feelings of despair, saying she felt “fundamentally powerless against the war” that Russia had unleashed upon Ukraine. The near-daily air assaults had transformed destruction and loss into a grim part of her routine, leaving her grappling with the emotional toll of such a reality. “I lose faith that I will ever be able to live peacefully,” she confided, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Ms. Nekipelova, a dedicated death doula, specializes in providing support and guidance for individuals navigating profound grief or confronting the specter of death—whether it’s their own or that of loved ones. Unlike traditional psychotherapists, death doulas do not aim to resolve mental health challenges or provide medical treatment. Rather, their mission centers on offering unwavering support, compassion, and a safe space for those in distress.

As the war continues to cast a long shadow over everyday life in Ukraine, the demand for death doulas has surged. The reality of loss permeates the lives of many, from the distant news of a relative’s death on the battlefield to the chilling impact of missiles striking nearby apartment buildings. In such a landscape, the work of death doulas like Ms. Nekipelova is increasingly vital.

In a poignant moment of reflection, Valeriia Tereschenko, another individual seeking solace, was seen meditating in her apartment in Kyiv. Her journey of healing has been intertwined with the support of Oleksandra Nekipelova—an embodiment of strength and empathy amid chaos.