Enrollment Open

Sacred Death Doula Training

10–15 hours of self-paced online learning followed by an immersive weekend retreat on the shores of Lake Huron.

Next Retreat: November 6-8, 2026

Register for the Training

Learn to accompany others through dying, death, and grief with compassion, presence, and practical support.

Registration includes:

  • 10-15 hours of self-paced online learning

  • An immersive in-person weekend retreat

  • Training materials and practical resources

  • Guided exercises and reflection

  • Opportunities to connect with fellow participants

  • Certificate of completion

  • Meals or refreshments (optional)

  • Information about ongoing support

Many people feel unprepared to face dying and death, even though these experiences touch every family and community.

Sacred Death Doula Training invites us to approach this season differently: with less fear, greater understanding, and a willingness to honor the emotional, practical, relational, and spiritual needs that may arise.

This training may be for you if...

  • You feel called to support individuals and families at the end of life.

  • You are considering death doula work or want to strengthen an emerging practice.

  • You work in healthcare, caregiving, hospice, social services, wellness, ministry, or another helping profession.

  • You regularly support aging parents, loved ones, or members of your community.

  • You want to become more comfortable talking about dying, death, and grief.

  • You are seeking meaningful work that honors the whole person.

*You do not need previous doula experience to participate.

What you will learn

Throughout the training, you will explore how to:

  • Understand the role and scope of a death doula.

  • Offer calm, compassionate, nonmedical support.

  • Communicate more openly about dying, death, and grief.

  • Recognize and honor personal, cultural, and spiritual wishes.

  • Support advance planning and meaningful end-of-life conversations.

  • Help create a peaceful and intentional environment.

  • Navigate family dynamics and changing needs.

  • Understand the practical realities that can arise before and after a death.

  • Maintain healthy boundaries and work collaboratively with other care providers.

  • Care for your own nervous system and emotional well-being.

  • Develop a sustainable approach to serving others.

The Training Experience

Sacred Death Doula Training combines flexible online learning with the connection and depth of an in-person retreat.

Self-Paced Online Learning

Complete approximately 10–15 hours of foundational learning and reflection before gathering for the retreat.

The online portion introduces essential end-of-life doula knowledge, concepts, and practices while giving you time to process the material at your own pace.

Immersive Weekend Retreat

Gather with fellow participants at the Lake Huron Retreat Center in Lakeport, Michigan, for a meaningful weekend of hands-on learning, reflection, and connection.

Through realistic simulations and experiential exercises, you will have opportunities to practice what you have learned, explore your own relationship with death and grief, and strengthen your confidence in supporting others.

Preparation for the NEDA Proficiency Assessment

The curriculum helps prepare participants for the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance Proficiency Assessment, which evaluates knowledge across established end-of-life doula core competencies.

Our graduates have achieved a 100% NEDA Proficiency Assessment pass rate.

The assessment is completed independently through NEDA and is not included as part of the Sacred Death Doula Training.

*Optional: Add a short graduate testimonial here about feeling prepared for the assessment.

Your Guide

Jen Willoughby | Founder & Steward, Blue Water Doula Collective

Jen is an occupational therapist, end-of-life doula, home funeral guide, Reiki Master, and wellness coach.

Her whole-person approach honors the emotional, practical, physical, relational, and spiritual dimensions of dying and grief. Through education, reflection, and experiential learning, Jen helps participants develop the skills and confidence to accompany others with compassion and presence.

Training Details

  • Online Learning: Approximately 10–15 self-paced hours

  • Weekend Retreat: November 6-8, 2026

  • Location: Lake Huron Retreat Center, Lakeport, Michigan

  • Registration Deadline: [Date]

  • Tuition: [Price]

  • Payment Options: [Payment plan or deposit information]

  • Registration Includes: Training, accommodations, meals, and retreat fees

FAQs

  • No. Sacred Death Doula Training welcomes both professionals and community members. Previous experience may be helpful, but it is not required.

  • No. Some participants plan to establish a professional doula practice, while others want to better support loved ones, clients, congregations, or members of their community.

  • The training recognizes that dying and death may involve deeply personal spiritual beliefs and traditions, but it does not require or promote one belief system. Participants learn to honor the individual values, culture, and wishes of each person and family.

  • No. End-of-life doulas provide nonmedical support. They do not diagnose conditions, provide medical treatment, or replace hospice, healthcare, mental health, legal, or funeral professionals.

  • Yes. Overnight accommodations, meals, and retreat fees are included in your registration, unless you select the commuter option.

  • Yes. Completion of both the online learning and in-person retreat is essential to the full training experience.

  • NEDA does not certify training programs or individual doulas. This training prepares participants for NEDA’s independent Proficiency Assessment, through which eligible individuals may earn the NEDA EOLD Proficiency Badge.

  • Graduates may have opportunities to stay connected through Blue Water Doula Collective for continued education, mentorship, case consultation, business support, referrals, and community.

  • Please share your needs during registration or contact us before registering. We will work with you to identify available accommodations.

Enrollment is Open

Answer the Call

You can be the gentle presence someone needs in their most vulnerable moment. Learn to listen deeply, offer steady, nonjudgmental support, honor each person’s wishes, and walk beside them so they know they are not alone during one of life’s most sacred transitions.

Space is limited—join our upcoming training and become the compassionate guide a family will never forget.

Reserve Your Place Today

Have questions before registering?

Schedule a complimentary virtual inquiry meeting with Jen to learn more and determine whether the training is right for you.

Schedule a Virtual Inquiry Meeting