Being on a path of service means bringing all of what you are to every interaction and centering one's actions on the needs of the family.  Being a professional means setting appropriate boundaries and acting ethically according to one's role.  By its very nature, the perinatal period is about the transformation of self and important relationships.  Being involved with these intimate transformations can be life changing for the professional, especially someone with an open heart and deep commitment to this work.  This does not mean it is easy nor does it come without a price. 

The content of this workshop comes from my experience training and nurturing doulas in my region; my research on doulas as they progress from novice to expert; and my own personal experience as a doula on a path of service.   
 
In this workshop we will explore the skills of emotional intelligence that effective doulas possess and specific strategies doulas actually use when supporting laboring mothers.  We will discuss the nature of fear and grief and how facilitating this process is a normal function of doula work.  Being a birth professional also means having periods of confusion and self-doubt that must be navigated in order to continue on this path.  We will discuss how those are predictable and necessary in order to grow.  Lastly we will discuss how to prevent trauma in our clients and in our selves. 

This seminar is intended to be personally meaningful and enjoyable to attend and will utilize a wide variety of teaching methods. Midwives, therapists, and people in other birth related professions are welcome to attend.