Emberlight Community Death Doula
Certificate Program
Together, we will embody the competencies of:
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I. Conscious Living, Self-Awareness & Inner Development
II. Presence, Relationship & Loving Communication
III. Companioning the Dying Process
IV. Caring in Community
V. Grief, Ritual & Meaning-Making
Take the Next Step
Live Online Course
​Each week includes a live 2.5 hour Zoom session, written materials, videos, and reflection practices. You’ll explore topics like grief, bedside presence, sacred silence, and more.
This phase emphasizes personal transformation—because who you are at the bedside matters as much as what you do.
In-Person Retreat Weekend
Held at Emberlight’s Sanctuary Campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
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Contemplative and experiential practices
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End-of-life simulations and grief rituals
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Immersion in community-supported dying care
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Access to the Sanctuary, Labyrinth, Ceremonial Grounds & Grandmother Oak
Every One Awakens to the Power of Love and Service
Presence is the primary intervention. Technical competence grows from self-awareness, embodied regulation, community, and contemplative practice.
Rather than producing graduates who simply know what to do, the program aims to cultivate companions whose way of being becomes a source of steadiness, compassion, and healing for those they serve.
This is the heart of the Emberlight approach.
- Hannah Fowler, Director of Education
Our Graduates
“The depth of care and safety with which the facilitators held us from the beginning to the end of this experience was unparalleled. This program deeply touched my heart and delivered the priceless, precious gift of transformation. Having witnessed the breadth of intentionality, loving care, and presence while onsite at Emberlight has left me with a deeply meaningful imprint of hope and inspiration forever stamped upon my heart."
— Graduate, 2024
Why Emberlight?
Emberlight is a nonprofit providing free care to dying residents. Tuition from this training sustains that mission, allowing us to support more people at the end of life and inspire this model across communities.
Testimonials
“The apprenticeship was pivotal. I didn’t just learn—I transformed. This program taught me how to truly be with death.”
— Graduate, 2024 Cohort
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“From the first Zoom to the final integration circle, I felt more alive than ever before. Emberlight's model changed how I live my everyday life.”
— Graduate, 2023
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“This is the most powerful community I’ve ever experienced. You can feel it in every breath, every space, every soul on that campus.”
— Graduate, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in the $2,995 tuition?
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8-week online course
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8 live on zoom experiential sessions
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3-day in-person retreat (includes 3 catered meals
(Housing and transportation are not included)
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Are scholarships available?
We are not currently offering scholarships while we are fundraising to purchase our current location to provide a permanent home for our work.
Where can I stay during the retreat?
You’ll receive a housing guide after registration.
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Three on-campus rooms are available for rent
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Reserved local Airbnbs hosted by volunteers
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Limited volunteer housing available at low/no cost
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Hotels and other Airbnbs nearby
What are the participation requirements?
To receive a certificate of completion:
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Engage fully with the course content on our Sutra learning platform
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Attend or make up all online zoom sessions
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Participate in the retreat
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Create a focused study container and show up with presence
Is this course only for aspiring doulas?
No. This course is for anyone who wishes to reclaim death as a part of life, deepen their presence, and live more fully.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Emberlight is internationally recognized as a leader in conscious end-of-life care.
Emberlight
Join a growing movement to reimagine how we die and how we live.