Welcome
Welcome to Shift. with Caroline, where expertise and compassion converge.
​
With a background as a Registered Nurse and Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis & Emotional Change Technique, I work specifically within the Advance Care Planning space by tailoring services for individuals, healthcare professionals & corporate healthcare organisations navigating all aspects of Advance Care & End of Life planning, transitions and change.
My approach seamlessly integrates practical guidance with proven NLP techniques, ensuring that you receive the focused support you need during challenging times. Whether attending to your own Advance Care Plan, assisting a loved one, or supporting your healthcare team to care for others at the End of Life, I give you the tools and techniques you need to achieve confidence, independence, resilience, connection and peace whilst navigating this often complex and emotional space.
​
Shift (noun): A change in direction, position, or focus; a transformation in thought, perspective, or approach that brings new clarity, understanding, or purpose.
What I do
Leading change in advance care planning across Australia—because end-of-life conversations need to be better.
With over 25 years of extensive Nursing experience caring for those at the most vulnerable stage of life, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we avoid the difficult conversations about death, dying, and legacy.
Within my personal life I have also walked the delicate path of caring for loved ones at the end of life, and seen & felt the weight that ill-prepared and rushed conversations have on a family unit.
​
I know we can do better. And I know you do too.
Whether you're approaching the end of life, supporting someone who is, or finally coming to the realisation of how important it is to plan before crisis strikes—these conversations matter. I work at the intersection of healthcare and coaching to transform how individuals, families, and professionals engage with advance care planning, by making the unspeakable speakable.
Let’s shift the way we talk about life’s final chapter—because how we prepare matters.
The home of
EXIT STAGE LEFT - For Life's Final Curtain Call
​
This isn’t just a name.
It’s a movement.
EXIT STAGE LEFT is a bold, beautiful, and necessary rollout of services and products that change the way we
Talk about
Plan for
And face End Of Life planning
Phase One starts With the Advance Care Planning Support Program
Then?
We go bigger.
Education
Awareness
Support
Research
Connection
Each phase will build on the last—with heart, clarity, and purpose.
Because we can do better in this space.
And we must.
Let’s make the unspeakable speakable—together.
Are you curious about the NAME? Watch this space to find out more about the heart behind EXIT STAGE LEFT
.png)
Need to get your Advance Care Planning done but don’t know where to start?
You’ve written your will.
You’ve appointed a Power of Attorney.
Have you considered what happens if you can’t speak for yourself?
Have you clearly communicated your wishes to your loved ones—and your healthcare team—so that the medical care you receive aligns with your values, beliefs, and preferences?
Advance Care Planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your voice is heard at every stage of life.
For many people, it feels overwhelming.
Big.
Confusing.
Easy to avoid.
That’s where I come in.
Through my highly sought after Advance Care Planning Support Package, I help you get it done—with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
You’ll receive tailored support to create a directive that reflects your wishes, your needs, and your life.
​
• A 30-minute call to get a clear vision of what you need
• Step-by-step guidance to complete your Advance Care Directive (relevant to your state)
• Values-based worksheets + conversation record sheets
• Upload guide for My Health Record
(In person mid north coast NSW or online all other locations)
Optional Add-ons:
• Legacy Journaling to create meaningful memories
• Family Facilitation to ensure your whole team is on the same page
PLUS MUCH MORE
As a Registered Nurse and healthcare professional, I have completed, witnessed, and supported the creation of countless Advance Care Directives over the years. I’m well-versed in the medical system and bring the clarity and compassion needed to make this process feel human and empowering. I can help you understand your diagnosis and likely trajectory, break down medical jargon your healthcare team might be using, and support you in making informed choices about your care and treatment options.
This is about more than ticking a box—it’s about understanding your journey, your rights, and what matters most to you.
This is personal.
It’s practical.
And it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself—and the people you love.
​​
This is Exit Stage Left’s Final Act
Your signature service for the end-of-life journey — and beyond.
When we talk about planning for death, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about doing it with intention, with heart, and with support that doesn’t disappear the moment the paperwork is done.
The Final Act is a complete offering:
• Advance Care Planning, done with clarity and care
• Support to help you understand and process what your healthcare team shares with you — cutting through the medical jargon and helping you make decisions that feel right
• Guidance to navigate the health system and advocate for what matters most
• Emotional support for you and your family
• Funeral or memorial coordination, including celebrancy
• Post-funeral follow-up with someone who already knows your story
• And through NLP techniques I help people release fear, guilt, grief, and other heavy emotions — so they can reconnect with loved ones and experience a greater quality of life, even at the end of it
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
I’ll walk with you through the full arc of this experience — with compassion, structure, and the courage to talk about the things that matter most.
Let’s take the fear out of the final act.
Let’s plan it with love instead.
Exit Stage Left’s
LAST SUPPER CLUB
Legacy, Last Laughs, and Leftovers
The dinner where the conversation matters most.
What is it?
A hosted in-home (or anywhere!) experience where I guide you and your loved ones through powerful, values-based conversations around life, legacy, and planning for the inevitable.
You organise the dinner and invite your guests.
I bring the tools, guidance, and a refreshingly real, honest approach to end-of-life planning—without the awkwardness.
How It Works:
• You host a gathering—at home, at the beach, around the fire pit, or on the back deck
• Invite your people—smaller groups of 6–8 are ideal
• I facilitate 2 hours of open, light-hearted yet meaningful conversation using NLP strategies, legacy reflections, and practical planning prompts
This is suitable for:
• All ages and stages—from young adults to older generations
• Families, friends, flatmates, or anyone ready to have the conversations that count
• Those nowhere near end-of-life and those navigating it now
• Anyone wanting to explore their values, plan ahead, and protect the people they love
Whether it’s a formal dinner party, pizza on the lounge, or fish and chips by the beach—wherever you are, I’ll come to you.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
• A completed Advance Health Directive, supported by a professional Registered Nurse who will help you understand the medical terminology and healthcare context
• A framework for other end-of-life planning, including funeral wishes and legacy notes
• Open, meaningful discussion with the people who matter most
• Laughter, clarity, connection, and direction
• A clear guide for what comes next and how to take action
• Helpful resources for continued planning
Why book Exit Stage Left’s LAST SUPPER CLUB?
Because the best conversations are the ones we usually avoid.
Because clarity is the kindest thing you can leave behind.
Because planning doesn’t have to be cold, clinical, or overwhelming.
It can be warm, real—and even fun.
Now booking across the Mid North Coast.
Gather your people. Set the table. Let’s make the unspeakable speakable
WATCH THIS SPACE AS THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME INCLUDING CORPORATE + HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
last updated 16th May 2025 - more to come soon!
About Me
My name is Caroline Ford, I am a Registered Nurse of 25 years, and a Master NLP Practitioner & Coach. Throughout my nursing career, I have held diverse roles in clinical practice, education, management, and clinical nurse consultancy. Additionally, I have contributed to the tertiary education sector as a clinical teacher, guiding undergraduate nursing students.
The words we use to ourselves and others are so powerful, and can transform relationships, careers, and lives
With over 20 years experience in Cancer Care, and more recently senior management roles within residential aged care, I have cultivated a deepened passion for understanding the profound impact of emotions on the end-of-life experience.
This inspiration led to the creation of Tranquil Steps Healing in October 2024; a platform that has now evolved to become Shift. with Caroline, devoted to making a meaningful difference as a Change Coach
By making sense of the larger scale impact of negative emotions resulting from change - whether it be the loss of a job, life, relationship, loved one - I work with individuals, families and teams to release the emotions attached to the events to allow them to move forward in a way that is healthy, productive and peaceful.
A memory that is no longer attached to negative emotions, is called Wisdom
Emotions create physical symptoms in our body, and there is no clearer time in life like Death where we see this right in front of our eyes. As a Nurse, I have witnessed many beautiful, peaceful deaths, and I have also witnessed some that were not so much. I had always considered how emotions directly impact physical symptoms of Death, and through this curiosity I have developed a deep passion for supporting individuals and loved ones through this process. As a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neurolinguistic programming) ECT (Emotional Change Technique) and Hypnosis, I can help to release those negative emotions, forgive, love, and connect, enabling the client and those they cherish to experience a peaceful, connected, beautiful passing.
Making the Unspeakable, Speakable...
I am privileged to have been invited to regional meetings, events and conferences to speak about my passion, and open up these important conversations. I am always intrigued when someone questions why I would want to talk about Death, Grief and Loss, as if they believe talking about this will make it happen sooner, somehow.
I get joy out of music, gardening, cooking, learning, giving, riding my bike, swimming, travelling, op-shopping and collecting retro kitchenware. Being around the garden and flowers is my happy place, and I often wish all flowers stayed in bloom all year round!
Alchemy ~ The Philosophers Stone
'She who takes her pain and suffering and turns it into something of beauty, for all eyes to behold'
As a proud mum of four amazing humans who are all forging ahead on their life journeys, I have experienced my fair share of Change, Grief and Loss. Through the loss of my Mother at age 19, and my Father in 2020, I unconsciously chose to stay in a pit of grief, hurt, sadness, anger, and a tornado of feelings of not being good enough and not loving who I was despite what the world told me. Emotions and limiting beliefs that would eventually have a significant and detrimental impact on my life in more ways than one.
I have now transformed these experiences from
Excuses
as to why I couldn't change
to
Reasons
as to why I can change
I've Been There—In the Pit.
I know how isolating, overwhelming, and painful it can feel.
And here's the truth: you can climb out, just like I did.
With the right tools and guidance, I’ll help you find the ladder you need to rise above it all—and it’s easier than you might think.
Let’s take that first step together.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing
AHPRA NMW0001453758
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care
Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
Master Practitioner of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)
Master Coach of NLP
Master Hypnosis Practitioner
Master Practitioner of Emotional Change Technique
Contact Me
Where
Welcome to my services based in Coffs Harbour! I offer flexible meeting options at a location that suits you, whether it's in fully accessible local rooms or online consultations from anywhere. I'm willing and able to travel to ensure you receive the support you need. Let's connect and find the best way to work together!
When
Appointments are flexible and I can accommodate to meet your needs
Send me a message to book
How
P: 0431 205 134
E: connect@shiftwithcaroline.com.au​
Linkedin - Caroline Ford
https://linktr.ee/shiftwithcaroline
BOOK A FREE CLARITY CALL -
nothing to lose, everything to gain