Who Is Carolyn Murton?
Hello!I am a Grief Counsellor and End of Life (Death) Doula serving Vancouver, BC, Canada, with 40 years experience working as a mental health nurse. As one who has personally faced many losses, I understand the value of having compassionate support and counselling as we navigate letting go.
I am part of the Patient Pathways Patient Advocacy team, supporting individuals and families in accessing resources and guidance as they navigate serious illness and end-of-life care.
Additionally, I serve as a peer support volunteer for the MAiD Family Support Society, am an Ambassador for The Waiting Room Revolution providing workshops for people navigating a life-changing diagnosis, and am a member of the End of Life Doula Association.
It would be my honour to meet with you to discuss your needs.
My Story
My journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, I've focused on staying true to my values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Upon graduation, I worked for several years on an adult psychiatric unit, and then transitioned to work with children and adolescents in both an inpatient program, then later in an outpatient setting. I worked with families navigating complex mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder and a whole range of challenging diagnoses. I supported families as they faced those difficulties together, and came to value the importance of strong communication, compassion and support in challenging times. When it came time to retire, I knew I wanted to continue to offer support in some capacity and imagined myself volunteering in a hospice.
Then my 26 year old son was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in August of 2016.
He accessed MAiD at the end of his life in order to have some control over the cancer that was preventing him from living a meaningful life. MAiD allowed him to die with dignity where and when he chose.
Several years later I knew I needed to take that experience and give back to those who are grieving any type of loss.
I pride myself on my compassion and feel that my mental health experience and my End of Life Doula training have prepared me to support others - not trying to fix the situation but by being a compassionate listener and fully present to witness the intensity of emotions one experiences as we grieve.