It is commonly known that a Birthing Doula is someone who assists the birthing process.  A Death Doula is someone who can assist and facilitate the dying process; someone who has knowledge of various dying practices; someone skilled at helping people go into the depths of themselves to heal from various life-experiences, thereby, fostering wholeness even in this final transition.

A Death Doula can also facilitate the exploration of one's own mortality no matter the age or state of health; which means that someone can explore their fears, values and beliefs about the Life and Death Cycle before one is diagnosed with an illness.  One can start that process at any point in time in life.  It has been said in many wise cultures throughout time that by learning about death one can learn how to live better right now.