Making Space for the Journey Before Us

Conversations, Coaching and Support for Life Transitions

Virtual sessions anywhere you are, and in-person conversations in Central Massachusetts.

Ink drawing of a person walking a winding path that dissolves into the distance
Ink and watercolor illustration of a forest path splitting into two paths, with a wooden bench resting at the fork

Maybe You’re Here Because…

  • Life is changing, and you’re not quite sure what comes next.
  • You’re thinking about your health and well‑being and want something to feel different.
  • You’re carrying grief, loss, or a change you didn’t choose.
  • There are conversations you’ve been meaning to have — with yourself or with someone you love.
  • You’re thinking about planning ahead, getting organized, or what you want to leave behind.
  • Or maybe you can’t quite put your finger on what you need.

That’s okay. We can start there.

Ink and watercolor vignette of a person standing on a rocky overlook, gazing out at golden misty hills

Coaching Through Life & Life’s Transitions

Health & Wellness • Change • Growth • What’s Next

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes you’re ready for a change; sometimes change finds you.

Through integrative health & wellness coaching and meaningful conversation, we’ll explore what’s happening in your life, what matters to you, and where you’d like to go from here.

You don’t need to have the answer before we begin. Coaching isn’t about me telling you what to do. It’s about creating space to discover what feels right for you.

Explore Coaching

Grief, Planning & End of Life

Grief • Loss • Planning • Legacy • End of Life

Some conversations are harder to begin — but that doesn’t make them any less important.

Whether you’re living with grief, thinking about your own wishes, helping someone you love, planning ahead, exploring legacy, or simply wanting to understand more about death and dying, we can make space for those conversations together.

You don’t have to be in crisis to begin talking about what matters most.

Explore These Conversations
Watercolor portrait of Laura Dusha Nelson smiling, wearing a denim jacket and dragonfly necklace

Meet Laura

Laura Dusha Nelson, NBC-HWC · Founder

I created The Journey Before Us because I believe our journey matters — how we live, how we navigate change, how we care for ourselves and one another, and how we prepare for what lies ahead.

I offer a welcoming space for conversations about the things that are on your mind — whether you’re exploring your health and well‑being, navigating a life transition, living with grief, planning ahead, or simply wondering, “What comes next?”

My role isn’t to tell you which path to take. It’s to listen, get curious with you, and walk beside you as you discover what matters most to you.

Read Laura’s Story

Certifications & Training

National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach · Death Literacy Specialist · Certified Grief Educator · End-of-Life Doula · Pediatric End-of-Life Doula · Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula

University of Vermont Accelerated Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching certificate badge
Integrative Health and Wellness CoachingUniversity of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education
Certified Grief Educator badge
Certified Grief EducatorTrained by David Kessler of grief.com
University of Vermont End-of-Life Doula certificate badge
End-of-Life DoulaUniversity of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education
University of Vermont Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula certificate badge
Companion Animal End-of-Life DoulaUniversity of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance member badge
NEDA MemberNational End-of-Life Doula Alliance
“Laura is a careful and empathic listener who takes in and reflects upon what she hears.”

Let’s Talk

Your first 30-minute Zoom conversation is complimentary. It’s a chance for us to meet, talk about what’s on your mind, and see whether walking this path together feels right.