1. What is a death doula?

A death doula (also called an end-of-life doula) is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families as they navigate the dying process. We hold space for conversations, comfort, and ritual while helping to ease fear and bring meaning to this sacred transition.

2. How is a death doula different from hospice care?

Hospice focuses on medical and physical comfort at the end of life, while a death doula focuses on emotional, spiritual, and logistical support. We work alongside hospice teams—never replacing them—to provide an additional layer of care that centers the human experience of dying.

3. When should someone reach out to a death doula?

Anytime. Some people connect with us after receiving a terminal diagnosis, others when a loved one is actively dying, and some families seek support in early grief. The sooner we’re involved, the more continuity and calm we can bring to the process.

4. What kinds of services do death doulas provide?

Services may include legacy projects, vigil planning, emotional support, guided family conversations, comfort measures for the dying, and after-death care planning. We also offer grief integration and ritual support after death, depending on each family’s needs.

5. Do you have to be spiritual or religious to work with a death doula?

Not at all. We meet people exactly where they are—whether rooted in faith, nature, philosophy, or none of the above. Our work is about presence, not persuasion.

6. Can a death doula help if my loved one is already in hospice?

Yes. We often collaborate closely with hospice teams. Doulas can spend extended time with clients, fill in emotional gaps, and help create a peaceful environment that reflects the person’s values and wishes.

7. How do death doulas support families after a death?

We help with immediate logistics, such as contacting home funeral guides or coordinating memorials, and we continue to support loved ones through early grief. That might look like reflective listening, ritual, creative expression, or helping families integrate the experience of loss into daily life.

8. Is death doula support covered by insurance?

Currently, most doula services are private pay. However, we offer sliding scale options and community-based support when possible. Our mission is to make end-of-life care accessible and compassionate for all. Each doula has individual pricing and services they provide.

9. How can I tell if a death doula is the right fit for me or my family?

Connection is key. We recommend an introductory meeting to discuss your needs, beliefs, and communication style. The right doula will make you feel seen, supported, and safe to express your truth. You can look through the bios on our Deathworkers page and contact doulas individually should you wish to set up a consultation.

10. Why do this work?

Because death is not a medical failure—it’s a human experience. We believe every person deserves to die with dignity, intention, and connection. Our role is to bring compassion, education, and presence back into a process that has too often been hidden away.

11. What can a death doula offer if I’m not currently facing death or supporting someone who is?

Death doulas don’t only serve the dying- we serve the living too. Many people seek us out for support in exploring their relationship with mortality, planning for their future care, or learning to live more intentionally by acknowledging that life is finite.

We can help you create an advance care plan, write legacy letters, or design personal rituals that honor life’s transitions. Some people simply desire a safe, compassionate space to talk about death, loss, or change- conversations our culture rarely makes room for.

Working with a death doula before death arrives can bring surprising peace, clarity, and freedom in how you live right now.

12. How do you support someone who is afraid of dying?

Fear of death is natural—it’s one of the deepest human emotions. Our role isn’t to take that fear away, but to help hold it gently, explore where it comes from, and create space for peace to emerge. Through compassionate listening, guided reflection, and personalized practices, we help people find meaning, comfort, and even moments of grace within the unknown.

Each doula in our collaborative brings a unique lens—whether grounded in mindfulness, spirituality, storytelling, or somatic support—so together we can meet people wherever they are on their journey with fear and acceptance.

13. Do you offer group gatherings or community education?

Yes. We believe death work belongs in the community, not just at the bedside. Our collaborative offers workshops, group discussions, and seasonal gatherings focused on death awareness, grief integration, and living with intention.

These spaces invite open conversation, creative expression, and shared ritual—helping to normalize death as part of life and nurture a culture of care and connection.

14. Where are you located?

For in-person doula support, our services are limited to the Capital Region of New York, including Columbia County. Our doulas also offer virtual support. Please inquire about any distance limitations to doulas individually.

15. I am a practitioner that works with people at END-of-life. Can i join the collaborative?

Absolutely! We are actively seeking professionals to join the collaborative. Please reach out to liz.leue@gmail.com for more information.