A death doula – sometimes also called an end-of-life doula, death companion, or deathwalker – is a nonmedical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality.

A death doula advocates self-determination and imparts psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.

I hold an End-of-Life Proficiency Badge with the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and am registered as both a death doula and death doula educator. I teach aspiring death doulas as part of the Iliff Death Care Collective. I have additional training in death doula practice through Cherry Hill Seminary, NEDA, and the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA). While I work with all at this sacred threshold, I specialize in end-of-life planning and care for LGBTQIA+ folx and their circles of care as well as companion animal / pet doulaing.

WHAT DEATH DOULAS

As a death doula/companion, I am here to:

• Provide the opportunity to speak openly and frankly about dying
• Talk about creating an advance care directive
• Explore the meaning of the dying person’s life and legacy
• Discuss and support end-of-life care planning
• Develop a plan for how the space looks, feels and sounds
• Incorporate traditions or create new rituals to mark special moments
• Encourage appropriate ways of touching the dying person
• Bring a focused and intuitive presence to the bedside
• Assist with physical and practical care to ease the burden on caregivers
• Provide respite for exhausted caregivers
• Explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process
• Process the emotions and experiences with loved ones
• Support the spiritual practices of all involved
• Guide people through the early stages of grieving

END-OF-LIFE PLANNING SESSION

I offer a two-hour end-of-life planning session. During this session, we will review your values, beliefs, and needs surrounding your end-of-life. Together, we will explore such questions as:

• How do I understand (make sense of) death?
• What do I need to feel at peace at end-of-life?
• What do I want for my family / circle of care after I die?
• What processes, documents, and considerations do I need to be aware of?
• What do I want to happen to my body after I die?

The goal of this session is to equip you with clarity and essential information to continue planning for end-of-life, and to ease any mental stress that this process may bring you and your loved ones. You will leave with planning tools and a customized plan. It’s never too early to begin thinking about your legacy!

Please note that end-of-life planning with a doula is not a substitute for legal, financial, medical, or mental health advice. If you have legal questions regarding documenting your end-of-life wishes, please consult an attorney. As a death doula, I am here to help you process your wishes, educate you on options, and explore next steps.

F.A.Q.

What is a death doula?

A death doula (also called an end-of-life companion) provides non-medical, holistic support to individuals and their loved ones before, during, and after death. At Owlsong, this support is rooted in presence, deep listening, and honoring the sacredness of dying as a natural part of life.

What makes Owlsong’s approach unique?
Owlsong offers spiritually grounded, interfaith, and inclusive care. We draw from multiple wisdom traditions—while remaining client-led and non-dogmatic. Our work integrates:

• Spiritual companionship
• Emotional and relational support
• Ritual, reflection, and meaning-making
• Conflict navigation and family communication

We honor each person’s beliefs, values, and lived experience.

When should I engage with a death doula?

You can reach out at any stage, including:

• When you’re contemplating how to plan for end-of-life
• At the time of diagnosis
• During serious or chronic illness
• When entering hospice care
• In the final days or hours of life
• After a death, for grief and integration support

Earlier engagement allows for deeper relationship-building and more intentional preparation.

What specific services does Owlsong provide?

Services may include:

• Spiritual companionship and life review
• Vigil planning and bedside presence
• Legacy projects (letters, recordings, rituals)
• Advance care planning support (non-legal guidance)
• Family facilitation and conflict support
• Rituals, blessings, and threshold practices
• Grief support for loved ones

All services are tailored to the needs and wishes of the individual and their community.

Do you replace hospice or medical care?
No. Owlsong death doulas do not provide medical care or replace hospice services. We work alongside hospice teams, caregivers, clergy, and medical providers to offer complementary emotional, spiritual, and relational support.

What does “spiritual” mean in your work?
At Owlsong, “spiritual” is broadly defined. It may include religious or faith-based beliefs, personal meaning and purpose, connection to nature, community, or legacy, and/or questions about mortality, identity, and transcendence. I meet you where you are—whether religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, secular, or uncertain.

Can you help with family conflict or difficult dynamics?
Yes. One of Owlsong’s core strengths is supporting families navigating:

• Communication challenges
• Differing beliefs about care or dying
• Unresolved tensions or relationships
• Decision-making under stress

We create space for honest, compassionate dialogue while centering the needs and wishes of the dying person.

What happens during a vigil?

A vigil is the sacred time surrounding active dying. At Owlsong, we help create a supportive and meaningful environment that may include:

• Quiet presence and companionship
• Music, readings, or ritual
• Guided practices for loved ones
• Holding space for grief, reflection, and transition

Each vigil is unique and guided by the individual and family.

Do you offer grief support?

Yes. We provide gentle, ongoing support for individuals and families after a death. This may include processing grief and meaning-making, spiritual reflection, rituals of remembrance, or continued companionship during transition.

AFFILIATIONS