The Industry's Most In-Depth 
Training Programs

While many Death Doula and End of Life Practitioner programs offer only short weekend workshops, they often fall short in preparing individuals for the depth and complexity of this sacred work. At The HeartWay, we believe this calling deserves a comprehensive, immersive, and integrative approach that truly supports both practitioners and the individuals and families they serve.

The work of an End of Life Practitioner reaches far beyond a typical job. It requires a deep and multidimensional training experience for anyone who feels called to this path, whether you are just beginning or seeking to expand the skills you already carry.

Over the years, we have listened carefully to the feedback of our community, including the needs of students, practicing doulas, and those entering the field. What was once a yearlong program has now been thoughtfully redesigned. We are excited to invite you to explore our newly renovated training journey, now offered in four distinct segments that create more flexibility, accessibility, and support for both new and seasoned practitioners.

The HeartWay Training and Certification Program now unfolds through a series of carefully crafted sections that meet you exactly where you are on your journey. Together, these segments offer one of the most comprehensive and foundational pathways for End of Life Practitioners and Death Doulas.

Program Segments

Sacred Foundations: Essential Principles for Compassionate End of Life Care
Begin with the core philosophies and compassionate practices that ground meaningful end of life support.

Death Doula and ELP Principles: Level I
Explore essential skills along with historical, mythological, and therapeutic perspectives that help shape an effective and heart centered practitioner.

Applied Mastery Level II: Supervision, Integration, and Support for End of Life Doulas Through Guided Practice, Reflection, and Resilience
Deepen your applied experience through structured mentorship, supervised practice, and dedicated opportunities to build confidence, clarity, and resilience.

Deepening the Path: 5 Day End of Life Training Intensive Level III
Join us in person at a dedicated retreat location for an immersive experience that weaves advanced practices, community connection, embodied presence, and sessions with guest speakers and seasoned practitioners.

Begin Your Journey

If you feel called to serve at the end of life or are ready to expand your existing practice, we invite you to apply to the segment that best aligns with your needs. This work matters deeply, and we would be honored to walk alongside you as you learn, grow, and step more fully into your role as a compassionate companion at the end of life.

Who is our training for?

If you’re committed to reshaping the way we care for those facing serious illness, the dying, and their loved ones, this training offers the tools and wisdom to support that transformation. 

Our ELP Training program series has been thoughtfully designed for individuals across a wide spectrum of caregiving and healing professions, including: 

• Front-line nurses and healthcare providers
• Social workers and clinical case managers
• Physicians, therapists, and other clinicians
• Clinical and healthcare leaders
• Educators and facilitators in health and human services
• Family and home-based caregivers
• Healing arts and integrative wellness practitioners
• Hospice and palliative care volunteers

And all who are called to embrace life by honoring death.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of this sacred life. End-of-Life Doulas and Practitioners stand at the threshold of formal recognition — following a path similar to that of chiropractors and acupuncturists in their early days. The field is gaining momentum, and those stepping into it now are helping shape its future.