Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Death Doulas
I know This Isn’t Easy
Searching for end-of-life support often means you or someone you love is walking through something really hard. First, I want to say — I’m glad you’re here. These questions are ones I hear often, and I’ve answered them as honestly and gently as I can. My hope is that by the time you finish reading, you feel a little less alone and a little more clear about your next step. And if you still have questions that aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is too small. No concern is too big. — Leatrice
Q: What is a death doula?
A death doula — also called an end-of-life doula — is a trained, non-medical professional who provides holistic emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families navigating the end of life. Think of it as having a knowledgeable, compassionate guide by your side during one of life’s most profound transitions.
Q: How is a death doula different from hospice care?
Hospice focuses primarily on medical comfort and pain management during the final stages of life. A death doula complements hospice by focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of dying — the conversations, the legacy, the meaning, and the presence that medical care alone cannot provide. We work alongside hospice, not instead of it.
Q: How is a death doula different from a grief counselor?
A grief counselor is a licensed mental health professional who provides clinical therapy before and after a loss. A death doula is not a therapist but rather a compassionate guide who provides presence, practical support, and emotional accompaniment during the dying process itself. If clinical grief support is needed, I am happy to refer you to a licensed professional.
Q: Do I need a death doula if I already have hospice?
Absolutely. Hospice and death doula support work beautifully together. While hospice manages medical needs, a death doula fills the gaps — sitting with your loved one, facilitating meaningful conversations, supporting family members, and ensuring the experience is as peaceful and intentional as possible.
Q: Is a death doula only for people who are actively dying?
Not at all. End-of-life support begins long before the final days. Many families reach out months or even years in advance to begin planning, have important conversations, and process fears around death. The earlier you begin the conversation, the more intentional and peaceful the journey can be.
Q: What does a death doula NOT do?
A death doula does not provide medical care, administer medication, offer legal advice, or provide clinical therapy. My role is to offer compassionate non-medical support — emotional presence, guidance, and practical assistance during the end-of-life journey.
Q: Are you a licensed counselor or therapist?
No. I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, social worker, or mental health professional. I am a trained and certified end-of-life doula. While our conversations may feel deeply personal and emotionally supportive, what I offer is compassionate guidance and presence — not clinical therapy. If you or a loved one need mental health support, I will always encourage you to seek care from a licensed professional and I am happy to help connect you with the right resources. My role is to walk beside you, not to replace the clinical care you may also need.
Q: What will we discuss during the free 30-minute consultation?
This first conversation is simply about you. I’ll gently ask about your situation — what you or your loved one is experiencing, where you are in the journey, and what feels most overwhelming right now. There is no agenda, no pressure, and no obligation. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a clearer sense of what kind of support might be most helpful and whether working with me feels like the right fit. Most importantly, you’ll know that you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Q: Do you help with end-of-life planning and what does that include?
Yes. End-of-life planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and your family. I help you think through and document your wishes including your preferred place of death, who you want present, meaningful rituals or traditions you’d like honored, how you want to be remembered, and the conversations you want to have before it’s too late. Having these decisions in place brings peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.
Q: Do you offer legal support such as writing a will or estate planning?
No. I am not an attorney and I do not provide legal advice, draft legal documents, or assist with estate planning, wills, or trusts. However, I strongly encourage every family to have these documents in place and I can point you in the right direction by referring you to qualified legal professionals in your area who specialize in end-of-life legal planning.
Q: Can you help my family have difficult conversations about death and dying?
Absolutely — this is one of the most important parts of my work. Many families struggle to talk openly about death, especially with a loved one who is ill. I can facilitate gentle, guided conversations that create space for honesty, healing, and connection. These conversations often become some of the most meaningful moments a family shares together.
Q: Do you provide support after my loved one passes away?
My primary focus is supporting individuals and families before and during the dying process. While I am not a grief counselor, I do offer a compassionate presence in the immediate aftermath of a loss to help families feel grounded and supported. For ongoing grief support, I am happy to connect you with licensed grief counselors and bereavement resources in your area.
Q: Where do meetings take place?
I offer support both in person and virtually via Zoom — whichever feels most comfortable for you. In-person sessions are available in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Virtual sessions via Zoom are available for those outside of Atlanta or for anyone who prefers to connect from the comfort of their own home. No matter how we meet, my commitment to showing up for you with full presence and compassion remains the same.