Life Reviews
Taking an opportunity to reflect on one’s life experiences in the light of the knowledge that we are going to die can be a surprisingly enriching experience. Practically, it can be a real gift to those we love to know about our wishes for our end of life: what has been important and how we would want to be remembered.
Commissioning a Life Review with me provides an opportunity to consider the most significant people and events in your life and how they might be reflected in your funeral. It can also include conversations about your choices in the process of dying itself.
If you decide to work with me, you will feel seen, supported, listened to and helped to refocus and re-energise your life. You will also be leaving your loved ones with a precious gift that will be a support to them at an emotional time.
Please click on the headings in the next column to find out more about my Life Reviews.
• When might you want a Life Review?
Typically, you might choose to commission a Life Review at a point when you want to consider your options for end of life. This might happen when you commit in a serious relationship, or when you have a child. It might accompany the making of a will or support you when developing a Lasting Power of Attorney with a solicitor. You might be realizing the significance of your ageing process or be in receipt of a diagnosis. You might be planning to climb Everest or to sail single-handedly around the world. You might just have your first grandchild.
• How do my Life Reviews work?
We would agree to meet three times in your home or in my work rooms. First, we would talk, remember and reflect together, gathering together all the information necessary for truly reflecting what has been and is most important or significant in your life. This can be a deep exploratory activity that reveals our lives’ hidden treasures. It also helps the ones you will leave behind know how you want to be remembered. In our second meeting, based on my research and your further musings, we might consider the music, readings, anything to communicate the special flavor of your life.
As we complete your Life Review, in the third meeting, I will give you a written draft account of your funeral wishes and requests that can be placed with your will or given to your most-loved. Once these are checked and agreed with you, I will present you with a final version. This might involve a fourth meeting. In my experience, this precious document arises out of a process that is equally precious and enriching.
• How does this differ to list of wishes in a will?
It is a supported process that results in a much more detailed, more personalised plan that can deeply influence and support those people you leave behind when they are planning how to celebrate your life.
• Can the Life Review be attached to my will?
A Life Review has no legal status but it will support your family and close friends to know how you would wish to be remembered.
• Do we have to involve my solicitor?
No. This can be purely personal but it can also be attached to and held with your will if you want that. It has no legal status but it will support your family and close friends at what can be a really difficult time.
• Why would I want to have a Life Review or engage in long-term funeral planning?
It is a beautiful process. People re-discover themselves and the significant people and events in their lives in a new way. It can be both moving and satisfying. It can also enable a person to go into the next phase of their life in a vibrant way.
• Typically what does a Life Review cost?
Each process is individual and clients come to me in different circumstances. The average cost would be around £300-400 but please call so that I can tailor the service to suit you and your circumstances.
• Does a Life Review need to be updated, if so how often and at what cost?
This is entirely up to the client. A quick meeting to update a few details can be arranged at any point. Depending on the changes that are wanted, the costs would be my time and possibly travel expenses.
• What can you do if you are interested in doing a Life Review with me?
I like to talk to people as I find this allows us both to get a feel for whether we will be comfortable working together. So please do call me but if you prefer, write or email me.
Testimonials
"I hadn't realised how much fun could be had from arranging my own funeral - hopefully, well in advance!
My family now has the opportunity to note my preferences but not to be bound by them.
Lynne's help and guidance through the whole process was phenomenal. Her warmth, expertise, professionalism and attention to detail made for a most enjoyable and fascinating experience." Margaret, Devon.
"The Life Review was a surprisingly uplifting experience. It was so useful to work through the events of life with an experienced and focused listener. It enabled me to appreciate the balance of my life - so far - and I gained many new and valuable perspectives. I highly recommend it." Wolfgang, Devon.