Death Doula

Stratford's Death Doula training course has 4 Modules and a total of 14 lessons.
This course is self-guided with ongoing support from instructors as requested. Once you successfully pass exams in one module, the next module will be made available to you.

Finding Peace at the End of Life

Module 1 - Lesson 1
Bringing Doula Principles and Practices into the Experience of Dying
The Three Areas of Activity in the Death Doula Approach: Reflection, Planning and the Vigil
Exploring Death Mythology
Supporting an Individual as They Approach Death
Confronting Difficult Truths at the End of Life
Deep Active Listening in Doula Care

Module 1 - Lesson 2
Facilitating Life Review
Searching for Meaning at the End of life
The Role of a Death Doula in Developing Legacy Projects
Planning for the Final Days
Aspects of the Dying Environment
Evaluating the Space
The Roles of Music and Reading During End of Life Support
The Importance of Physical Touch

Module 1 - Lesson 3
Visualization and Guided Imagery During End-of-Life Care
Death Visualization
Identifying a Special Place in Nature
Alleviating Physical Symptoms
Addressing Spiritual Distress
The Significance of Rituals
Aspects of the Vigil
The Effects of Death on the Doula
Reprocessing and Grief

Role of a Death Doula

Module 2 - Lesson 1
Working toward a Better Experience of Dying
Steps in Becoming a Death Doula
Introduction to the Physical Aspects of Dying
The Five Stages of Grief

Module 2 - Lesson 2
The Ecosystem of a Deathbed
Communication Energy
Language Practices and Choice of Words
Death Doula Client Questions
Developing Critical Skills for End-of-Life Support
Inner and Outer Body Support: Breath-work, Aromatherapy, Energy Work, Meditation and Prayer

Module 2 - Lesson 3
Assembling the Death Doula Toolkit
Further Studies in Rituals
Funeral Considerations
Ceremonies for Healing and Remembrance
Empowering a Dying Person
Aspects of a Well-Managed Death
Death Doula Preparation for End-of-Life Support
Demystifying the Role of a Death Doula

Death Nesting

Module 3 - Lesson 1
Introduction to Death Nesting
Mindfulness Practices During End-of-Life Support
Stages and Levels of Care
Defining Advance Directives
The Role of a Death Doula in Preparing a Nest
Aspects of the Protective Nest and the Inner Nest
The Inner Circle of Caregiving
Sensory Experiences at the End of Life
Further Studies in the Physical Characteristics of the Dying Process

Module 3 - Lesson 2
Mental Aspects of Dying
Evaluating the Mind, Sprit and Emotions During End of Life Support
The Challenges and Discomforts of Caregiving
Communicating with Children about Death and Dying
Further Studies in the Process of Grief

The Doula Business Guide

Module 4 - Lesson 1
Key Components of the Doula Model of Care
Legal Business Structures and the Work of a Doula
Introduction to Business Models for Doulas
Independent Contractor Agreements
Collectives and Community Partnerships

Module 4 - Lesson 2
The Doula’s Creative Vision
Crafting a Mission Statement
Expressing Core Values and a Vision
Selecting and Optimizing a Business Name
Service Package Considerations
Scope and Standards of Practice
Specialties for Death Doulas
Financial Matters: Setting Rates, Timeframes for Payment, Refund Policies & Collecting Fees
Evaluating Account Types
Introduction to Third-party Reimbursement
Tax Practices for Small Business Owners
Commanding Respect in the Workplace

Module 4 - Lesson 3
Marketing and Networking Practices to Attract Clients
Advertising in Print Media
Online Marketing and Optimizing a Website for Business Traffic
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Social Media and Blog Posts
Advertising in Radio and Television
Creating a Community Presence

Module 4 - Lesson 4
Defining Non-Profit
Evaluating a Non-Profit Enterprise
Selecting Members for a Non-Profit Board of Directors
Delegating Executive Duties
Fundraising for a Non-Profit and Determining Success

Module 4 - Lesson 5
Program Models for Doulas
Program Variables
Program Staffing
Hospital-Based Doula Programs
Death Doula Programs
Introduction to Writing a Grant Proposal
Components of a Proposal
Proposal Writing Tips
Funding Strategies and Fiduciary Relationships
Maintaining the Grantor-Grantee Relationship;

Module 4 - Lesson 6
Managing Risk in Doula Work
Further Studies in Scope of Practice
Client Confidentiality
Refunds, Referrals and Recommendations
Drafting Client Contracts
Ethical Considerations for Selling Products
Small Claim
Risk Reduction
Boundaries
Personal Safety and Self Defense
Avoiding Burnout
Time Management
Nurturing and Self Care Practices

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.