Embodying Presence in Life, Death, and Grief

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Death Doula FAQs

With a growing aging population in a society ill-equipped to prepare for and emotionally process the transition from life to death, end‑of‑life doula services are more important than ever. Through dedicated patient advocacy, emotional and spiritual support, companionship, and knowledge, I offer guidance and comfort to help you navigate the last steps of life – whether for yourself or someone you love.
  • What is a death doula?

    A death doula or end‑of‑life doula (EOLD) provides non‑medical, holistic support and comfort to individuals who are preparing for their death and to the people who love them. Through their physical and/or virtual presence, end‑of‑life doulas educate, support, guide, and assist.

    An end‑of‑life doula assists with dying in some of the same ways that a birth doula assists with the birth. When time allows, death doulas can help a person define the experience they want for themselves and for their loved ones before, during, and after death.

    Simply stated by the National End‑of‑Life‑Doula Alliance (NEDA), "EOLDs (end‑of‑life doulas) seek to help those dying and their loved ones achieve an end‑of‑life experience that is as meaningful, peaceful, and well‑prepared as possible for all involved." Learn more about the role of end‑of‑life doulas on the NEDA website. NEDA also provides tips for choosing an end‑of‑life doula.

  • Who do you serve?
    • Individuals, couples and families who want to discuss death and mortality in advance
    • Individuals approaching the end of life
    • Family members, caregivers, and loved ones seeking guidance and support
    • People of all backgrounds, faiths, and identities

    Whether you are seeking gentle companionship through your own dying process or trying to support someone you love, I am here for you.

  • Why choose a death doula?

    An end‑of‑life doula offers emotional, spiritual, and practical support before, during, and after death. Doulas do not replace medical care or hospice services—they complement them, often filling in the spaces where medical providers may not be able to stay long or go deep.

    By bringing knowledge, presence, and heart into the room, a doula can help ease anxiety, clarify options, and ensure that both the dying person and their loved ones feel supported throughout the process.

  • How does someone become a death doula?

    Some people come to death doula work as a natural progression from work they once did in the medical field. Others, like me, are non‑medical lay people who begin working as death doulas because we realize that while dying can be difficult it is also a most sacred time, the event of a lifetime, a person's final act on this earth in their current body. It is a privilege to be part of this process.

    The scope of practice and training for end‑of‑life doulas varies. While there is no one central accrediting body, nor is there licensing for end‑of‑life doulas, there are a variety of training programs to support our work. I received my certification from Sacred Crossings in Los Angeles, CA in 2024. Check out The National End‑of‑Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and International End of Life Doula Association (INEDLA) for more information.

  • How much does it cost to work with you?

    End‑of‑life doula services are private pay, in much the same way that many alternative services are private pay. Options include hourly rates or packages based on your personalized care plan.

    I offer a sliding scale for my services because I believe that everyone deserves support, regardless of their financial situation. The suggested rate for my services is between $50 and $100 per hour. However, I know that financial barriers can make it difficult to access the care and presence you need during such a sensitive time. If you are able to pay towards the higher end of the sliding scale, I encourage you to do so, as it allows me to offer my services to others who may be experiencing financial hardship. By choosing a rate that feels right for you, you are helping to ensure that this important work can reach as many people as possible.

    You may pay with cash, credit card, direct bank transfers (via PayPal or Venmo). I am also open to barters, payment plans, and other ways of working together.

    My heart is to be accessible and supportive to all — because no one should feel alone during the most challenging times of their lives.