MysticMag chats with Dr. Jen Vogtmann, a licensed Occupational Therapist, Reiki Master, and End of Life Doula, and founder of Inspired by Jen. With over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy, she has cultivated a unique approach that blends both western and eastern medicine philosophies. Driven by a passion for well-being, both mentally and physically, she extends her expertise to guide individuals through life’s transitions, particularly the sacred passage of the end of life. Having personally navigated the loss of family members and friends, Dr. Jen found her calling to support others in experiencing a loving and comforted end of life. As an Advanced Care Facilitator, she facilitates meaningful discussions, ensuring clarity of wishes and alignment among family members well in advance. Additionally, Dr. Jen offers intuitive life coaching to aid those transitioning from loss or seeking to deepen their spiritual practices.
Jen, what inspired you to combine your extensive background in occupational therapy with Reiki and end-of-life doula services? How do these elements work together to provide comprehensive support for conscious living and end-of-life planning?
So, the bottom line is that occupational therapy is a holistic practice. I work with the mind, body, and spirit. I was teaching occupational therapy in a college program, and one of the courses I taught was an integrative complementary therapy course. Its purpose was to explain how modalities like Reiki and other Eastern approaches could be incorporated into our therapy sessions.
Being relatively new to Reiki at the time, I didn’t know much about it. To be a good professor, I always put myself on the receiving end. So, I went out and experienced Reiki services, acupuncture, and other modalities. I was genuinely captivated by Reiki and ended up signing up for training in 2020. I completed all three levels, from 1-2 to the master training. I successfully convinced the college to include Reiki training as part of the occupational therapy program’s curriculum. That’s how I began incorporating Reiki into my regular practice, extending its use to home care as well. Eventually, I started seeing patients solely for Reiki.
As for becoming an end-of-life doula, it was a personal decision. I wanted to move forward with what I consider my grand finale in my career—helping people transition at the end of life. This decision was shaped by my personal experiences assisting my own family and recognizing numerous gaps in the industry. While occupational therapists can work in end-of-life care and hospice, the awareness and utilization of our role are minimal. The doula role allows me to be there for individuals at the end of life, not just as an occupational therapist but also as a compassionate presence during their final moments.
Having experienced a personal calling to support families through end-of-life transitions, can you share a specific instance that profoundly influenced your decision to become an end-of-life doula and offer holistic planning services?
It all began with my personal experience with my father. He was admitted to the hospital after a failed attempt at dialysis. His port was no longer functional, making him ineligible for further dialysis. My siblings and I gathered at the hospital, realizing the need for more support and considering transitioning him to a Hospice home. We had a lucid conversation with him about it, and he agreed. I assured him that from that point forward, he would never be alone.
I stayed with him overnight at the hospital, and then, at 2:00 in the morning, we transitioned him to Hospice care where he was put on comfort care. Despite staying close, I never had another conversation with my dad. My brother and I read verses to him in the morning, played jazz music in the background, and thought we had more time. However, I noticed signs of impending death—circulation slowing in his legs. I alerted the nurse, realizing we had about three hours left. I quickly called all my family to be with him, and in those final moments, we surrounded him with love, music, and comforting touches.
Reflecting on this experience, I recognized the lack of communication from the healthcare team about how near my dad was to dying. Even in the ER, opportunities to discuss it with us were missed. After my father’s passing, the healthcare system’s handling of the situation left much to be desired. They presented us with coffee and cookies, giving us only three hours to decide what to do with my dad’s body. It became apparent that these important conversations about end-of-life wishes should happen much earlier.
My father, an Episcopal minister, hadn’t discussed his wishes with us, placing me in the unexpected position of taking on various roles, from patient care advocate to funeral planner when what I needed to be was the daughter. I realized the system needed improvement. Despite the challenges, I managed to create a beautiful transition for my dad in the short time we had. This personal experience became a turning point, inspiring me to advocate, participate, and model better practices for end-of-life care in my grand finale of a career.
You mention blending both western and eastern medicine philosophies. How does this integrative approach contribute to achieving greater mental and physical well-being for individuals, especially during the challenging phases of life, including the end-of-life journey?
In my profession as an occupational therapist, which inherently addresses the mind, body, and spirit, I initially worked within the constraints of traditional medicine in the United States. The focus was on activities of daily living, and client sessions were often brief. While spirituality, values, and belief systems were included, it wasn’t until I incorporated Reiki and mindfulness into my practice that I began to achieve breakthroughs that were previously elusive.
Recognizing the potential of my unique framework, I made the decision to leave the traditional setting and establish my own practice. Now, operating as an intuitive life coach with a focus on wellness, I assist individuals in grounding themselves and provide them with tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle while reconnecting with their spirituality. This approach has been especially impactful in end-of-life care, where the emphasis remains on spiritual connection and grounding activities. This is not only beneficial for the person transitioning but also for the caregivers left behind, whose nervous systems are often overwhelmed as they navigate the challenges of the moment. By seamlessly blending both eastern and western medicine practices, I create a serene and supportive environment for my clients.
Your holistic death plan service addresses various aspects, including healthcare, legal, and financial considerations. How do you guide individuals in making these crucial decisions, and what impact does a thoughtful pre-death plan have on both the person and their loved ones?
In facilitating the creation of a holistic death plan, I collaborate closely with clients, acting as a guide as we co-create a plan that aligns with their beliefs, values, and desired quality of life. This process is applicable to individuals of varying ages, ranging from 20 years old to those within the last six months of life. Together, we explore where they want to be, who they want to be with, and the settings they prefer. Leveraging my training as an advanced care practitioner through the Respecting Choices Facilitator Program, I assist clients in understanding medical perspectives, answering questions, and explaining scenarios. The client makes decisions, and we involve their designated decision-maker to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
Additionally, I recommend consulting with legal advisors to validate and reinforce the decisions made. I provide resources for eco-friendly and traditional burials and funerals, introducing options like home funerals. Importantly, I emphasize that my role is not to replace existing services, such as funeral directors or ministers, but to guide and empower individuals to make informed decisions. By doing so, we aim to offer a sense of control after death and provide a thoughtful gift to loved ones, sparing them from unexpected decisions and potential feelings of guilt.
As an occupational therapist, Reiki Master, and end-of-life doula, you offer a range of services, including Reiki energy healing, meditation courses, and end-of-life support. How have these modalities shaped your own personal journey?
I integrate various methods into my personal life, continuing to find value in their application. Reiki remains a cornerstone, and I regularly practice self-healing, extending its energy to my loved ones. Currently, I’m sending Reiki to my sick grandson, showcasing its versatility in providing healing energy for family members. Meditation plays a significant role in my marriage, helping us ground and navigate conflicts. By incorporating mindfulness strategies into our discussions, it creates a calm space for thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions.
These practices extend to my spiritual journey, fostering a connection with my higher self. The meditation routines, in particular, enable me to introduce a pause between stimulus and response, allowing for a more considered reaction. For instance, in traffic situations, I’ve cultivated a mindset of understanding rather than reacting impulsively.
As a doula, my role has gifted me the ability to pre-plan for my end-of-life care, creating a comprehensive guide for my children. Open conversations and clear directives mean that they are aware of my wishes, alleviating potential guilt and ensuring confidence that my desires will be honored even after I’m gone.
If you would like to find out more about Dr. Jen Willoughby Vogtmann, please visit https://www.inspiredbyjen.info/
