Sinéad was raised on a dairy farm on the Cork—Waterford border in Ireland and grew up with both of her grandmothers in residence. Her grandfather was an undertaker, so she was always aware of death and respectful of those in the process of dying. She is a mother to two boys and a girl.

Both of her parents died away from home despite their hopes and best efforts. Her mother died at the age of 60 in an intensive care unit, and her father died at 85 in a nursing home — two very different deaths, each leaving an indelible impression.

Education and training

In 2010 Sinéad completed a Diploma in Integrated Holistic Sciences. This was provided by leading holistic medical consultant, Dr Anna Rewilak of ‘The Bridge of Light’.  

Topics covered were:

• Holistic Healing,

• Reflexology working with Adults, Children and End of Life Clients,

• Autistic Spectrum Holistic Therapy,

• Crystal Healing.

Sinéad has been a registered general and children’s nurse since 1990. While working in St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin, she felt that nurses did not have enough time to be present with the dying. This planted a seed in her to attempt to improve end of life holistic support. While palliative and hospice care is excellent, her experience with her father was that he benefitted hugely from additional holistic care at the end of his life.

In 2023 Sinéad trained with the Peaceful Presence programme in Oregon, US. This equipped her to offer holistic and practical end of life care. She can support anyone who would like to consider choices around their death journey, with or without a life-limiting condition.

Sinéad is honoured to accompany those with an end of life prognosis on their unique journey. Before embarking on this, there is always an initial meeting to ensure a good fit for each other.

Doula care is non-judgemental and non-medical, but doulas can work alongside an entire multi-disciplinary team to support medical decisions and ensure clients die with dignity. Sinéad’s belief is that death is much more than a medical event: it necessitates the holistic support of each individual as well as their family and community. As a holistic therapist, she is conscious of the emotional, mental and spiritual journeys as well as the physical one. All spiritual beliefs (and none) are embraced and respected.

In 2024 Sinéad completed Reiki Level 1 and 2 training with Katie Duggan, Traditional Reiki Master, as well as Katie’s Sacred Space Facilitator’s Course.

Free social events

We are all going to die. So, Sinéad encourages conversations about death to help us prepare as we would for any other major event in our lives (birth, marriage, job change, house move). She runs free events, called ‘Café Connections’ (otherwise known as ‘Death Cafes’), where people can sit over a warm drink and cake, and chat about all aspects of the end of life.

Book an appointment today to experience her services, or just to have a chat.

Bed of Roses is the trading name of Sinéad Ryan’s holistic therapy enterprise.