End-of-life doulas provide companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. Doulas offer resources to help the dying person—along with their family and loved ones—make informed decisions in a supportive environment.
During this training, you learn the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) doula principles of self-awareness, honoring the autonomy of the dying person, and the dying process.
The end-of-life doula's non-medical holistic support encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical care. Through lectures, exercises, and individual exploration, you learn:
- History of doula care
- Scope of practice and code of ethics
- Self-awareness and deep active listening
- Physical changes of the body
- Vigil planning, rituals, and ceremonies
- Guided imagery
- Reprocessing the death
The International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) is a nonprofit with the mission to encourage the presence of end-of-life doulas by normalizing death, dying, and grief through conscientious education, and stewardship, and by fostering community and advocacy. Its curriculum is bolstered by a group of passionate and inclusive educators who bring years of experience in hospice, nursing, psychotherapy, education, and supporting the dying.
As part of this training, you receive self-paced video exercises as pre-work, an end-of-life doula guide and training workbook, live lectures and presentations from INELDA educators, small group and paired exercises, and self-paced exercises you can use to prepare you for your role as a doula.
Please note: A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the training. Nursing contact hours are available. A 2-day program is also available September 27-29.
