The end of life is a topic many shy away from, yet it holds profound potential for reflection, connection, and care. In this pre-recorded conversation, palliative care expert Dr Michael Barbato joins Preparing the Way founder and lead educator Helen Callanan to explore the nuances of active dying, emphasising the journey rather than the destination.
This video is part of the Dr Michael Barbato Trilogy—a unique learning experience that includes two pre-recorded conversations, a live curated Q&A with Dr Barbato, and a paperback copy of his book Caring for the living and the dying. By registering, you’ll gain access to these resources and become part of a community committed to deepening death literacy and compassionate care.
A conversation on death and dying
Dr Barbato and Helen discuss a model of ten stages of life, focusing on the often-misunderstood active dying phase. Rather than framing death as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, they invite us to see dying as a journey—one that calls for presence, sensitivity, and care.
Insights from the bedside
The discussion challenges clinical labels such as ‘terminal restlessness’, encouraging a more holistic understanding of this stage. Dr Barbato shares his view that those who appear unresponsive are often still aware, living in a liminal space between external and internal worlds.
These final moments, he suggests, are not just physical but deeply emotional, existential, and spiritual. Comfort may come not from medication alone but from feeling seen, heard, and held.
The role of end of life doulas
Throughout the conversation, the importance of creating a healing environment—regardless of location—is emphasised. Whether in a home, hospital, hospice, or aged care residence, what matters most is the space we create: the environment and the relationships that surround the person who is dying.
Dr Barbato and Helen share powerful stories about presence, letting go, and intuitive care. Rather than trying to fix, they remind us of the value in simply being with.
A call for kindness
The session concludes with a call for a kinder approach to dying. Dr Barbato advocates for more spaciousness, allowing disembodiment to unfold gently. His reflections on the ‘kinder side of dying’ offer a moving invitation to meet death with openness, tenderness, and trust.
Photograph of Dr Michael Barbato by Tina FiveAsh for The Death Letter Project.
Be part of the Dr Michael Barbato Trilogy
When you register, you’ll gain access to:
- Two pre-recorded video conversations between Dr Barbato and Helen
- A copy of Michael’s book, Caring for the living and the dying
- A live curated Q&A session with Dr Barbato and Helen on Sunday, 25 May, 10 am –12 pm AEST
A portion of the proceeds from this event supports scholarships for future end of life doulas — helping to grow a strong and compassionate network of care across Australia and New Zealand.
Registration is now closed.
We look forward to sharing this series with you and continuing the conversation about what it means to truly care for the living and the dying.