Self‑Paced Death Doula Certification
Online Training from IEOLCA

We benchmark this curriculum to widely recognized competency areas for non-clinical end-of-life doulas and to evidence-informed practices used across hospice and palliative settings. While regulation in this field varies by country and region, the IEOLCA certificate is issued when your work meets our standards of knowledge, skill, and ethics for a non-medical doula role.

This phase includes eight foundational modules that introduce you to the core emotional, cultural, and ethical aspects of end-of-life doula work. These lessons build the inner awareness and historical perspective you’ll need to support others with compassion and clarity.

Begin your journey with personal reflection and the emotional roots of doula work.

1. Welcome to Your End-of-Life Doula Training: Orientation to the course, what to expect, and how to navigate your self-paced journey.
2. Introduction to Self-Directed Learning: Learn how to stay motivated and build habits that support meaningful and steady progress.
3. Exploring the Call: Reflect on what draws you to this work and deepen your connection to your personal “why.”
4. History of Deathcare & the Reemergence of Doulas: Understand the historical context of deathcare and how doulas are reclaiming this role in modern society.
5. Understanding the Doula Role: Define the scope, responsibilities, and ethical foundations of death doula work.
6. Self-Awareness Practices: Explore tools for emotional regulation, reflection, and presence that are key to compassionate care.
7. Cultural Considerations in Doula Work: Learn how to offer inclusive, respectful support across diverse beliefs, values, and traditions.
8. Exploring Our Mortality: Engage with your own understanding of death, grief, and impermanence to better support others.

This phase includes fifteen practical modules that guide you through the hands-on skills, communication techniques, and legacy tools that doulas use to support individuals and families through the dying process.

Practical tools, communication skills, rituals, and grief support.

1. Revisiting Life’s Moments: The Life Review: Learn how to guide clients through meaningful storytelling and reflection.
2. Creating a Dying Plan: Support clients in outlining their wishes, values, and care preferences for their final chapter.
3. The Dying Process Part 1: Learn to recognize and support the physical changes as someone approaches death — including fatigue, decreased appetite, withdrawal, changes in breathing, and circulation shifts — to ensure comfort and understanding during this transition.
4. The Dying Process Part 2: Explore the emotional and spiritual journey of dying, including navigating fears, unfinished business, existential questions, and honoring cultural or spiritual beliefs to provide compassionate presence and holistic support.
5. Compassionate Presence During the Dying Process: Cultivate skills in being grounded, calm, and supportive at the bedside.
6. Creating a Vigil Plan: Learn how to plan and hold space for vigils that reflect a person’s values and bring comfort to loved ones.
7. Rituals and Ceremonies: Explore how to co-create meaningful rituals for life’s final transition.
8. Guided Imagery: Practice using soothing, imaginative tools to bring calm and connection during difficult moments.
9. End-of-Life Projects: Creating Legacies and Meaning: Support clients in crafting legacy items, messages, and memories for their loved ones.
10. Compassionate Communication: Learn how to navigate sensitive conversations with honesty, empathy, and care.
11. Understanding Grief: Gain insight into the grieving process and how doulas can support both anticipatory and post-death grief.
12. Supporting Families and Circles of Care: Help clients and their loved ones stay connected and supported throughout the dying journey.
13. Common Doula Challenges: Examine real-life dilemmas and how to navigate them with professionalism and compassion.
14. Ethics, Boundaries, and Professionalism: Clarify your responsibilities and stay aligned with ethical, heart-centered care.
15. "Dos and Donts" of Doula Work: A summary of practical best practices for sustainable and effective doula care.

This final phase includes five reflective modules designed to help you internalize your learning, build confidence, and prepare for the real-world challenges of doula practice. You’ll revisit your values, refine your role, and complete your final assignment with clarity and care.

Reflection, integration, and real-world preparation.

1. Applying Your Skills in Practice: Cultivate mindful presence, self-awareness, and the emotional steadiness required to serve others with compassion and clarity.
2. Integrating Your Learning: Synthesize everything you’ve learned throughout the training and explore how your unique gifts will shape your doula identity.
3. Aligning Your Why with Community Needs: Reconnect to your original motivation and reflect on how your purpose aligns with the needs of your community.
4. Business Essentials: Learn practical tips for setting expectations, managing boundaries, and navigating real-world scenarios with professionalism.
5. Final Reflections & Continuing the Journey: Complete a meaningful integration exercise that allows you to reflect on your readiness and share your personal growth journey.

The IEOLCA training includes two essential learning tools designed to support every step of your journey: a 164-page printable Guidebook and a 143-page Resource Companion. These downloadable volumes provide structure, insight, and practical tools—giving you both the knowledge and confidence to grow into this work with heart and skill.

Downloadable volumes to support your learning and future practice.

The 164-page Death Doula Guidebook is your comprehensive learning companion, designed to walk hand-in-hand with the training modules. It includes expanded content, real-world examples, reflection exercises, and self-assessment prompts to deepen your learning experience.

The 143-page Resource Companion is a practical toolkit filled with downloadable templates, client planning forms, legacy project worksheets, business tools, and communication scripts to help you begin your doula practice with confidence and clarity.

Together, these two volumes support not just your training, but your transformation—so you feel equipped and empowered to offer heart-centered care at end of life.