What’s Included in Death Doula Training—and How to Find the Right Doula for You

Talking about death isn’t easy, but being supported through the dying process can make all the difference—for the person who is dying and for the people who love them. That’s where a death doula comes in. And if you're curious about what kind of preparation these caregivers receive, or you’re thinking about working with one, it’s helpful to know what death doula training involves, who it's designed for, and how to make sure a doula is the right fit for your needs.
Let’s break it down.

​What Is Death Doula Training?

Death doula training is a structured educational experience designed to prepare individuals to support others through the end of life. Like birth doulas, death doulas (also known as end-of-life doulas) offer non-medical emotional, practical, and spiritual support. But unlike clinical professionals, their work centers on presence, advocacy, and helping people navigate the experience of dying on their own terms.
Death doula training programs vary widely—there’s no national licensing body, which means each organization brings its own focus, tone, and philosophy. That said, most high-quality death doula training includes a mix of core competencies:

• Understanding the dying process
  Training often starts with the basics of what happens physically, emotionally, and spiritually as death approaches.
• Active listening and communication skills
  Being present and attuned to unspoken needs is a cornerstone of doula work. Training focuses heavily on developing deep listening and compassionate communication.
• Planning and advance directives
  Many death doulas help clients complete advance care planning, legacy projects, or vigil wishes. Training often includes practical tools for facilitating these conversations.
• Cultural humility and grief awareness
  Death doula training frequently addresses cultural traditions around death, the importance of respecting individual beliefs, and how to companion someone through anticipatory and post-death grief.
• Self-care and boundaries
  Supporting dying people and their families can be emotionally intense. Good training programs emphasize how doulas care for themselves and maintain healthy professional boundaries.

Some programs also include modules on business practices, volunteer ethics, medical aid in dying (MAiD), green burials, and working within healthcare systems.

Who Is Death Doula Training For?

If you’re wondering whether death doula training is only for people looking to become professional doulas, like me, the answer is: not necessarily.
Of course, many people do take this training with the goal of starting a career or side practice as an end-of-life doula. But plenty of others enroll in death doula training for personal reasons. You might be:

• A family caregiver who wants to better support a loved one
  
• A hospice or palliative care professional looking to deepen your non-medical care skills
  
• Someone who’s had a profound experience with death and feels called to companion others on a completely volunteer basis
  
• A therapist, chaplain, or spiritual director adding tools to your toolbox
  
• A community member hoping to organize local resources or offer volunteer support
  

Death doula training isn’t just about skill-building—it’s also about personal growth, reflection, and transformation. Many people describe it as life-changing. Even if you never intend to support another person at the bedside, the training itself can help you think more intentionally about your own mortality, your values, and how you want to live and die.

​How to Interview a Death Doula Before Hiring

Once you’ve decided to hire a death doula—or help someone else find one—it’s essential to make sure they’re the right fit. Not every death doula will be a match for every family, and that’s okay. Most doulas will welcome your questions and appreciate your desire to make an informed choice.
Here are some thoughtful questions to ask when interviewing a death doula:
1. Where did you receive your death doula training?
There are many reputable programs out there, such as INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Certificate, Going with Grace, Lifespan Doulas, and the Conscious Dying Institute. Some doulas may have completed more than one training. Ask about their experience and why they chose their specific path.
2. How do you describe your role?
Every doula’s approach is a little different. Some focus more on legacy work or emotional support; others excel at logistics or vigil planning. Listen to how the doula describes their work and see if it aligns with what you're looking for. If you don't hear what you're looking for - ask about those specific things. Some folks are better at describing their services than others asking detailed questions can help you get the information you need to make an aligned choice for yourself.
3. Can you tell me about your experience working with clients like mine?
Whether you’re supporting a terminal illness, an elderly parent, or someone seeking medical aid in dying, it’s okay to ask if they’ve supported others in similar situations.
4. How do you structure your services and fees?
Some doulas charge by the hour; others offer packages, or sliding-scale options. Make sure expectations are clear. A doula should be able to provide you with a written agreement outlining services, availability, and pricing.
5. How do you approach cultural, religious, or spiritual differences?
A good death doula will be open, curious, and respectful of your beliefs. If your family has specific traditions or rituals, ask if they’re comfortable supporting those.
6. What are your boundaries and scope of practice?
Death doulas do not offer medical care or legal advice. They should be clear about what they do and don’t provide—and be ready to collaborate with your care team or refer you elsewhere if needed.
7. What made you pursue death doula training?
This can give you a window into their motivations, values, and personality. Many doulas come to this work because of a powerful personal experience. Sharing stories builds trust.

Or if you prefer, here is my free PDF on How to Choose an End of Life Doula.

Resources for Finding a Trained Death Doula

If you’re ready to start looking for someone, here are a few directories that list doulas who have completed death doula training through various organizations:

• National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA): www.nedalliance.org
  Offers a directory and credentialing system for doulas who meet core competency standards.
  
• INELDA: www.inelda.org
  Provides both training and a list of trained doulas.
  
• Going with Grace: www.goingwithgrace.com
  Founder Alua Arthur’s organization offers a vibrant training and graduate network.
  
• Doula Training Programs: Check the websites of organizations like Lifespan Doulas, the University of Vermont, and others for referrals.
  

Don’t be afraid to speak to a few different doulas before deciding. The right fit can make a huge difference in how supported you feel.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re interested in becoming a death doula or looking to hire one, understanding what death doula training involves is an empowering first step. From learning how to companion the dying with presence and compassion to offering grief support and helping families create meaningful rituals, death doula training prepares people to show up in one of life’s most sacred moments.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that death isn’t something to fear or manage alone. With the right support, it can be a deeply human, even beautiful, part of life.
If you're exploring this path—whether for yourself or someone you love—death doula training can offer the knowledge and heart-centered tools you need to walk it well.

Interested in learning more?

​If you’re considering enrolling in a death doula training program or want help finding the right doula for your family, I’d love to connect. I offer consulting calls to walk you through the options and help you ask the right questions. Reach out anytime.

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