INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED END OF LIFE DOULA COURSE
Dear Doula,
If you are on this page, you have probably been wondering why serving in this space has been on your mind. Perhaps you are already working in the support field, but your soul craves for more knowledge around the rituals, rites and cultures that our clients are part of. Perhaps you are here because you have been touched by death, or maybe you feel that life itself is leading you to know more. Whatever reasons brought you here, we are glad you are here.
People are called to their purpose and End of Life Doulas are definitely called to work in this space. Keshnie, your lead facilitator, has been an End of Life Doula for 15 years and across 4 continents, and she has sat besides 300+ individuals during this time. Her approach of enabling doulas is unique as it is lived experience, coupled with years of service as a counsellor and celebrant.
International Recognition
Our training is focused on not only the practical side of being an EOL Doula but also education around the landscape and cultural considerations.
This course is recognised by NEDA and the IAOTH, and carried CPD points for the ASCHP, CCSA and HPCSA, and runs over 10 weeks with a combination of live, Zoom trainings and online classrooms.
What does an End of Life Companion Doula do?
So, what is an End of Life Doula?
An End of Life Companion Doula offers non medical support to individuals and families as they work through fatal diagnosis, the process of understanding death in a personal context and facing the dying process. Doulas provide support, information and play a role in prevention. They are empowered to explore the theories associated with death, whilst engaging practically in the cultural understanding and rituals and rites of dying - whilst learning how to support the living through advance care planning.
Why Choose Us?
This course is built on evidence based research, but also on lived experience and a career as an end of life doula spanning over a decade. The course covers ethical considerations, practical, emotional, mental and spirituals impact of death and dying, and legacy work. For ongoing support and debriefing all our EOL doulas have access to free practice sessions during and after the course as well as life time access to a libraru of resources and videos. We are the only EOL Doula training provider in South Africa registered with NEDA and the IAOTH and our students can register with both these international professional bodies once they complete their competency.
Duration of course
This course runs over a period of 6 weeks and is structured in a way that allows reflection, learning, application of skills and group discussions.
Step 1: Online learning via self paced videos
Step 2: Live training days via Zoom
Step 3: Practical immersion - learning in action
Step 4: Check in live sessions via Zoom with special guests (lived experience)
Step 5: Assignments designed to put theory into practice in your own life
Step 6: Completion certificate is issued once all assignments are complete
Step 7: Practical hours commence
Step 8: Competency certificate is issued
Overview of the Course (6-8 weeks)
Overview of online modules: (Self Paced)
Online modules (self paced)
1. The Palliative Care landscape
2. The role of the End of Life Doula and scope of practice
3. Understanding death and dying in modern society
4. Support through terminal illness and end of life
5. Ethics and boundaries in end of life doula work
6. Effective communication skills
7. Role of the doula - emotional support
8. Role of the doula - Spirituality and death Awareness
9. Family dynamics
10. Advance care planning
Overview of Live Day Modules (via Zoom)
Live, virtual sessions
1. Personal death awareness and other types of "Death"
2. Stages of death, dying and optimising Life
3. Practical support and non medical pain management
4. Spirituality and cultural considerations
5. Advance directives and Swedish Death Cleaning
6. Facilitating compassionate conversation around sensitive topics
7. Ceremony, rituals & rites - Historical relevance today
8. Safe space visualisation and preparing to die
9. Terminal agitation, rally and family support
10. The business side