About Rev. Catherine Sweeney

During my early days in the acute healthcare setting, and ultimately as Executive Director of a long-term care facility, I witnessed so much of the ‘clinical’ side of illness, loss of health and end of life without regard for the deep emotional or spiritual impacts of such challenging events. Not always of course, there were those who had solid beliefs and support structures to guide them, but they were few and far between. With few exceptions, the “system” does not come close to supporting or even acknowledging the many aspects of conscious illness or conscious dying.

With respect to illness, I learned firsthand the many pitfalls as I faced the challenge head on from multiple fronts. Not only did I face a debilitating illness which took years and a multitude of medical experts to diagnose and not cure, (at least to this point - but I always have faith)… I also lost my physical (life-affirming) activities, my career and my job. The ultimate insult and challenge was to have to sue both the health insurance company and my former employee for my health benefits and my job. Ultimately I was successful on both counts. But had it not been for my internal fortitude and my support structure, (thank you to my sons and my wonderful friends), the outcome of all of it could have been, and likely would have been vastly different.

To a large degree of course illness cannot be avoided, but the horror story that I faced can and should be! I don't want this to happen to anyone else and if it does, I want to be there as a guide and resource to assist in navigating through it.

Turning to my experience in long term, or complex care as it is now referred, much work can and should done with respect to honouring this phase of life. My mission in this area is to bring comfort to those staring end of life in the face. There is so much fear and uncertainty and it doesn't have to be that way! I want to support both the individual as well as their loved ones through this important and inevitable phase.

For those who qualify and feel it is an appropriate personal option, I am an ardent supporter of MAID, the medically assisted death in dying program. Also, I am an advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapy not only for those at end of life , but also those facing cancer/illness induced death dates, debilitating pain and chemotherapy. It is now scientifically proven (and supported by the Canadian federal government), that Psilocybin can alleviate much of the trepidation that is so often faced by chemotherapy patients. and those facing an inevitable and often painful death. There is so much positive scientific evidence around both of these programs that I believe it is only a matter of time before they become even more prevalent and main stream.

I’m confident that my experience both personal and professional, combined with my recent ordination as an interfaith minister and successful completion of two End Of Life Doula education programmes and training as a Health Coach, place me in the ideal position to fulfil the roles of End Of Life Doula and Chronic Illness Doula.

I am available to assist any and all who feel they could benefit from my services.

Credentials:

• Ordained Interfaith Minister B.Msc

• End of Life Doula (2 training programmes completed)

• Officiant and Celebrant - Legally licensed to perform marriages

• Health Coach - Training through University of Victoria and Self Management BC

• Reiki Practitioner Levels 1 & 2

• Acting Executive Director - Longterm Care (Retired)

• Director of Facilities Management - Longterm Care (Retired)

• Eden Alternative Associate (LTC)

• Gentlecare Associate (LTC)

• CARES Level 1 & 2

• Award-winning Canadian Poet

• I have been a lifelong learner and have completed a vast number of educational programmes which have contributed to my overall personal & career development.

• Cofounder of Women’s Medicine/Healing Circle - Facilitating the connection of community is one of my passions.