death doula certification
CALL 808-575-7870
Death doula certification
a 6 - month program
online and in your community
2 live Sessions each month
Fall 2025 - dates tbA
Death doulas are supplementary and complementary components in the field of caring for the dying and their communities.
A death doula can provide a wide spectrum of support to one’s community. That spectrum ranges from educating healthy people in preparations for their eventual death, accompanying dying people to doctor’s appointments, being an advocate and coordinator amongst the care team, providing in-home support and care to a dying person and provide care, counsel and support to a dying person’s family. It can include facilitating home funerals and the care of a dead body, as well as provide continuing grief support and counsel to the family and community.
Currently, there is no state or federal regulatory body that certifies end-of-life doulas. While this program is not a requirement for doing doula work, it can be a valuable investment in your growth and demonstrate your commitment to the sacred nature of this work.
"A death doula, first and foremost, is a ‘placeholder’ in the community,
representing the presence of death in community life. A community resource for individuals, families and professionals in these fields.
One who 'shows up for death' "
– Reverend Bodhi Be
Learn how to show up for your community as a resource for families and professionals.
1.
Study each of the components in Doorway Into Light's spectrum of 'what's a death doula?'
2.
Sit at the bedside of a dying person(s) for 12 hours each month.
3.
Fill out our online response forms for each 'sitting'.
4.
Meet 2x each month on Zoom for group study.
5.
Write a final paper/summary of takeaways and how one plans to utilize their certification.
6.
Become certified as a Doorway Into Light Death Doula.
7.
Deepen the skills of deep listening, empathetic response, self-inquiry, one’s spiritual relationship.
8.
Practice holding safe space - encouraging safety, vulnerability and trust.
9.
Learn about care of the body after death.
10.
Learn how to be a memorial and funeral ceremonial guide.
11.
Deepen cultural competence in your community to honor each family’s traditions, comfort levels, and openness to the movement and expression of grief.
12.
Deepen the skills of deep listening, empathetic response, self-inquiry, one’s spiritual relationship.
Learn how to show up for your community as a resource for families and professionals.
schedule
Understanding our starting point.
Defining the terrain.
Who's here. What's present.
Educating healthy people
Educating dying people and their people - Part 1
Educating dying people and their people - Part 2
Caring for dying people and their people - Part 1
Caring for dying people and their people - Part 2
Caring for the dead - Part 1
Caring for the dead - Part 2
Caring for the grieving - Part 1
Caring for the grieving - Part 2
Guiding ceremony - Part 1
Guiding ceremony - Part 2
Final reflections and closing
Our values
We are here to help you, at whatever stage of the journey you may find yourself in. We are here to listen and support you in some of life's most precious and difficult moments.
We are bringing forth options for after-death care that are natural. holistic and environmentally sustainable.
We seek to re-invent and revolutionize the funeral home and the funeral industry, transforming the “business of dying” and returning it to “sacred service”.
We also work with community organizations, such as local hospices, hospitals, non-profits and religious organizations in growing and deepening care for the aging and the dying.
