What happens as we die? What do we see, sense, or understand in those final moments? And how can we, as carers, doulas, and health professionals, support that sacred transition with presence and compassion?
These are the questions at the heart of the Dr Michael Barbato Trilogy, a new learning experience created in collaboration between Preparing the Way and Dr Michael Barbato — respected palliative care physician, researcher, and author of Caring for the Living and the dying.
In two pre-recorded video conversations and a live curated Q&A event, Dr Barbato joins Preparing the Way’s founder and lead educator, Helen Callanan, to share powerful stories, research insights, and deeply human reflections on end of life experiences.
A rare opportunity
Dr Barbato brings decades of clinical experience and a deep curiosity for the consciousness and phenomena that can arise near death. He has devoted much of his career to gently exploring what lies beyond the biomedical model, without abandoning it.
As many of our readers will know, Helen Callanan has spent years teaching and mentoring end of life doulas and accompanying individuals and those close to them through the dying process. Together, Dr Barbato and Helen offer a grounded, compassionate, and, at times, profoundly moving conversation that brings heart and depth to this often-misunderstood topic.
What the Trilogy includes
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
The videos explore themes such as:
- Deathbed visions and end of life dreams
- Shifts in awareness in the hours and moments before death
- The role of presence, sound, and touch at the bedside
- What families and caregivers can do when a person appears unresponsive
- The intersection between scientific data and profoundly human experience
These conversations are candid, tender, and thought-provoking. They open space for reflection and offer language and insight to carry into our work and care for others.
Who is this for?
We’ve created this series for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of end of life. Whether you’re an end of life doula, a health or aged care professional, a spiritual care practitioner, or someone drawn to this work from personal experience, this trilogy offers something meaningful.
You don’t need medical knowledge or doula training to benefit — just an open heart and a willingness to learn.
Why this work matters
At Preparing the Way, we believe that end of life deserves the same care, attention, and respect as every other part of life. But too often, the dying process is approached with fear or uncertainty, and opportunities for connection are missed.
By sharing stories and research, Dr Barbato and Helen help illuminate what can happen when we soften our assumptions and truly listen — to the person dying, what their body and energy are communicating, and the subtle experiences that may arise in their final days and hours.
These conversations are not about answers or certainties. They are about being with mystery in a grounded, informed, and compassionate way.
Join us
The Michael Barbato Trilogy is now open for registration. You can watch the videos at your own pace before joining us live on Sunday, 25 May, 10 am – 12 pm AEST, for a rich and reflective Q&A with Dr Barbato and Helen Callanan.
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.