Death Doula Training
With Henry Fersko-Weiss
February 24 - 28, 2025
Learn from the person who sparked the contemporary end-of-life doula movement.
Death is a reality that all of us will eventually face. How we face it will make the difference between a “good death” and one overshadowed by fear, loneliness, regret, and confusion. In our society, death is seen as a medical event instead of the sacred ending of a precious human life. You can restore a deeper meaning to the dying process by becoming an end-of-life doula and providing your services with genuine compassion. This is a role that is beginning to gain recognition and have a positive impact on how people die.
End-of-life doulas or death doulas give non-medical care to dying individuals, their friends, and family. They make this difficult time more manageable by offering emotional and spiritual support as well as providing informational guidance and presence at the bedside in the days and hours of vigil when death is close. They also offer grief support for loved ones after the death has occurred.
The death doula training utilizes lecture, case stories, guided meditation, discussion, and experiential exercises. These methods are designed to help you discover for yourself, and through engagement with other trainees, what it means to face dying and death with dignity, honesty, and a recognition of its sacredness.
You will learn how various illnesses impact the dying process, how to listen and communicate mindfully, how to use guided imagery, ritual, and structured life review, how to honor culture and differences in identity, and much more. In addition, you will learn how to move into a career as a death doula and build awareness of your services.
Answer the call in your heart to become a death doula and make a difference in lives at the end of their journey.
Schedule
Monday, February 24
- 3 – 4 pm Arrival and Check-in
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7 – 10 pm Opening Session
Tuesday, February 25
- 7 – 7:30 am Meditation
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Morning session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 8 – 9 pm Evening Discussion
Wednesday, February 26
- 7 – 7:30 am Meditation
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Morning session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 8 – 9 pm Evening Discussion
- Meditation: 7:00-7:30
Thursday, February 27
- 7 – 7:30 am Meditation
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Morning session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 8 – 9 pm Evening Discussion
- Meditation: 7:00-7:30
Friday, February 28
- 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
- 7 – 7:30 am Meditation
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:15 – 11:15 am Morning session
- 11:30 am – 12 pm Closing Ceremony
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.
About the Leader
Henry Fersko-Weiss
Henry Fersko-Weiss is a licensed clinical social worker and a death doula. He has worked with hundreds of dying individuals and their loved ones over a 20-year period. In 2015 he cofounded the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). As its Executive Director and President of the Board, he spearheaded its growth into the preeminent organization in the […]
Learn more about Henry Fersko-WeissCategories : Accommodations Only, Menla Co-Sponsor, Menla Retreat (all retreats)