Tonya Cook’s story illustrates the unique intersection of coaching skills and end-of-life care. As a recent graduate of the Southwest Insitute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Tonya pursued the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner Diploma Program with a specialization in End of Life Doula. Her Journey highlights the profound role that compassionate coaching can play in supporting individuals and families through life’s final chapter.
Before enrolling at SWIHA, Tonya’s life was marked by uncertainty. “I wasn’t clear on what path I wanted to take,” she reflects. Stuck in a cycle of retail and customer service jobs, she felt unfulfilled. However, her personal experiences with loss—including the deaths of her grandparents, her father, her brother, her first husband, and several close friends—sparked a passion to bring dignity and meaning to the end-of-life process.
“The way we die in America isn’t how it should be. About 70% of Americans die in hospital settings—cold, sterile, and often alone,” she explains. “I want to help people make the most of their last journey.” Her desire to transform these experiences led her to SWIHA’s End of Life Doula Certificate of Excellence program, where she also discovered the power of entrepreneurial training and coaching skills. Tonya found that the IHAP program fit all of her needs and that there was so much more to her journey than she originally imagined.
For Tonya, the pivotal moment came during her GRIT course. This transformative class helped her clarify her purpose and build the confidence to pursue it wholeheartedly. “The GRIT course made me evaluate my course of action, my reason, and my work ethic,” she shares. “I realized I was on the right track.”
Coaching skills have become an essential part of Tonya’s approach as a Death Doula. By actively listening, asking open-ended questions, and providing nonjudgmental support, she helps clients navigate the emotional and practical challenges of end-of-life planning. From facilitating meaningful conversations to empowering individuals to take control of their final days, coaching allows Tonya to create a safe and supportive space for her clients.
Since starting her journey at SWIHA, Tonya’s life has changed significantly. Balancing full-time work and her studies has been challenging, however, she’s learned to persevere and prioritize. “I’ve stopped procrastinating as much,” she says. “The power of ‘yet’ and giving yourself grace have been my greatest lessons.”
Tonya is working toward establishing her own practice as a Death Doula. She envisions offering services such as end-of-life ceremonies, grief support, house clearing, guided meditations, and practical assistance with planning and organizing final affairs. Her ultimate goal is to provide holistic support that honors each client’s unique needs and values.
“I want to fully assist people in their process, as much as I can,” she says. At the same time, she is mindful of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that her professional aspirations don’t come at the expense of her family life.
Tonya credits her instructors at SWIHA, particularly Ms. Margarita and Ms. Sherry, with teaching her the importance of self-care and patience. “Give yourself grace” has become a mantra that resonates deeply with her. She also emphasizes the value of community and support, encouraging future online students to “reach out when you need help” and utilize resources like Yellowdig and the SUDS scale.
For those considering a similar path, Tonya offers this advice: “You don’t have to stick to one thing. Explore all the ways you can support your clients. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help.”
Tonya’s journey has not been without challenges. She openly shares her struggles with depression and anxiety, finding solace and strength in SWIHA’s supportive environment. “The courses have helped me realize that these struggles are not something to be ashamed of,” asserts Tonya.
Her story is a testament to the power of education, self-discovery, and compassionate service. By combining coaching skills with her role as a Death Doula, Tonya Cook is paving the way for a more compassionate approach to the end of life—one where dignity, connection, and meaning take center stage.