The School of Death Doulaship at Spandala Institute offers education for individuals who feel called to support others during the sacred and profound transition at the end of life. Rooted in compassion, presence, and respect for the natural cycles of living and dying, this school prepares students to serve individuals and families with dignity, care, and deep humanity.
End-of-life doulas—often called death doulas—provide non-medical emotional, practical, and spiritual support to people who are approaching death and to the loved ones who walk alongside them. This role complements the work of healthcare professionals by offering companionship, guidance, and grounding during what can be one of life’s most vulnerable and meaningful passages.
The School of Death Doulaship integrates modern approaches to end-of-life care with timeless traditions of community support, ritual, and compassionate witnessing. Students learn how to accompany individuals and families with sensitivity, ethical awareness, and respect for diverse beliefs and cultural practices surrounding death and dying.
The Spandala Death Doula Training Program prepares students to offer holistic support to individuals and families before, during, and after the dying process. The curriculum focuses on practical skills, emotional intelligence, and the cultivation of calm, grounded presence.
Students explore topics such as:
the role and scope of practice of an end-of-life doula
compassionate communication and active listening
supporting individuals and families through anticipatory grief
creating meaningful end-of-life plans and legacy projects
holding space for emotional and spiritual processing
ethical considerations and boundaries in end-of-life care
collaborating respectfully with hospice and medical professionals
supporting families in the hours and days surrounding death
A central principle of the School of Death Doulaship is the understanding that the end of life is not only a medical event but also a deeply human, emotional, and spiritual experience. Through training and guided reflection, students learn to approach this work with humility, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the individuality of each person’s journey.
Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate steadiness, empathy, and the ability to hold space for complex emotions while maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice.
Graduates of the School of Death Doulaship may offer support in homes, hospice environments, community settings, and private practice. Their work contributes to a growing movement that seeks to bring greater awareness, compassion, and dignity to the experience of dying.
Through this program, Spandala Institute honors the full arc of life—from birth and healing to the final transition—educating practitioners who serve with reverence for life’s most meaningful passages.
Training Dates
October 23 - 25, 2026
9:00am - 5:00pm
Location
HighVibe Mettaverse
106 Cannons Lane
Louisville, KY 40206
Description
The Conscious Death Doula Training is a deeply immersive learning experience designed for those called to compassionately support individuals and families through the sacred process of dying. This unique program blends retreat-based reflection with hands-on practical training, preparing participants to serve as conscious companions at the threshold between life and death.
Through a combination of education, experiential practice, and group dialogue, participants will explore the emotional, spiritual, and practical dimensions of end-of-life care. The training emphasizes presence, empathy, and respect for diverse beliefs and traditions while equipping students with the tools needed to confidently support individuals during their final stages of life.
This training unfolds in two complementary parts that allow participants to both immerse themselves in the deeper emotional and spiritual aspects of death work and develop practical skills through guided practice and role-play.
The first part of the training takes place over three days at a retreat center, creating a peaceful environment for reflection, connection, and deep learning. In this supportive setting, participants will explore the philosophy and foundations of death doula work while developing the presence and awareness necessary for holding space during life’s final transition.
Topics and experiences during the retreat may include:
The role and scope of practice of a Death Doula
Cultural, spiritual, and historical perspectives on death care
Understanding the physical and emotional stages of dying
Holding compassionate presence with the dying and their families
Communication skills for difficult and meaningful conversations
Life review and legacy projects
Ritual, ceremony, and creating sacred space at the end of life
Personal reflection on mortality and the meaning of conscious dying
The retreat format allows participants to slow down, build community, and cultivate the inner grounding that is essential for this work.
The second part of the program takes place over two days at HighVibe Mettaverse, where participants will focus on the practical application of end-of-life companion skills. During this hands-on training, students will develop confidence through structured exercises, role-play scenarios, and guided practice.
Topics may include:
Advance planning and end-of-life conversations
Supporting families and caregivers
Creating and facilitating bedside vigils
Comfort measures and emotional support during the dying process
After-death care and immediate family support
Burial options, green burial awareness, and funeral alternatives
Ethical boundaries and working alongside hospice teams
Participants will engage in scenario-based practice and group exercises, helping them integrate what they learned during the training into real-world caregiving situations.
The Conscious Death Doula Training Retreat is ideal for:
Caregivers and hospice volunteers
Nurses, therapists, and healthcare professionals
Spiritual practitioners and healers
Reiki practitioners and holistic wellness providers
Anyone called to support conscious dying and compassionate end-of-life care
No prior experience is required—only a sincere willingness to engage with the profound and meaningful work of supporting others at the end of life.
Participants who complete both parts of the program will receive certification as a Conscious Death Doula / End-of-Life Companion, prepared to offer compassionate support to individuals and families navigating life’s final transition.
Total Tuition: $995
Registration Schedule
Early Registration: June 1 – July 31 | $795 (save $200)
Standard Registration: August 1 - September 15 | Regular Tuition: $995
Late Registration: September 16 - October 15 | Regular Tuition + $150
Program Dates: October 23 - 25
© 2026 Spandala Institute™. All rights reserved.