Our Journey
Dogwood Consultants is dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the sensitive and profound journey of end-of-life care. Our story is one of compassion, understanding, and unwavering support. We are committed to providing valuable resources and expert navigation to ensure that every person's end-of-life experience is as peaceful and dignified as possible.
Russell Lawson MSW LCSWA ACSW CDP CMDCP CFPS holds a BA from High Point University with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Widener University. Additional education includes the Substance Use Counseling Certificate from Wake Tech Community College.
His work has led him to being credentialed as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)(NCCDP) as well as a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner (CMDCP)(ICCDP). Additionally, he holds a NEDA Proficiency Badge from the National End-Of-Life Doula Alliance. He has engaged in service-oriented systems of care for eleven years, including seven years as a hospice medical social worker.
Russell offers a unique approach to end-of-life care that focuses on personalized support and comprehensive guidance. These services are designed to alleviate the burden on families and individuals, providing comfort, solace, and practical assistance. Every aspect of this approach is centered on compassion and respect, ensuring that clients receive the utmost care and understanding during this profound journey.
The Approach
End-of-life doulas, death doulas or EOLDs, provide assistance to patients and their families when a terminal diagnosis necessitates additional care needs. These needs can be based on three key points; symptoms due to a condition, financial considerations, and the amount of time a loved one or family has spent on the journey through change.
Unlike medical professionals in hospital settings or hospice services, doulas do not provide hands-on medical care but focus their support on holistic and non-medical approaches to ensure a meaningful and peaceful transition.
Emotional support for clients and their families include guidance on reflection or legacy projects, practical planning and advocacy in a sometimes complex and unforgiving healthcare system, end-of-life arrangement planning, vigil planning, end-of-life education, and most of all- presence during the active dying process.