Threshold Work: Intermediate Death Doula Training
Reflect the lasting impact of someone's life, while deepening your own.
Join Erin Merelli for a transformative 5-hour live online workshop that delves into the profound journey of end-of-life care. This intermediate-level training is crafted for those ready to expand their understanding and practice as death doulas, blending philosophy, practical skills, and personal reflection.
A single afternoon. A lifetime opened
Threshold is where we begin when we feel the quiet tug toward this work. When we aren’t quite ready for the long descent of Deathschool, but we know we must take a step.
This is the (new) online version of Erin’s beloved in-person workshop, It’’s a soul-deep, skill-building afternoon for those ready to explore the path of death doulaship more meaningfully. This is intermediate training. You’ll need some curiosity and courage to enter—but you don’t need credentials, only the willingness to ask: Is this path for me?.
It’s not an 8-week course.
It’s one afternoon.
A small investment that may change your life.
July 19, 2025 | 12pm - 5pm MST | Live via Zoom | $250
What You'll Learn
Lesson 1: Philosophy & Phases of Doulaship
Discover the heart of end-of-life care
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the role of a doula in honoring the wishes of the dying.
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The three phases of doulaship: Preparedness + Legacy, The 11th Hour, and Crafting Funerals.
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how to work efficiently and compassionately with the family/community of the dying person, including how to educate them on what is coming ahead
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legacy by preserving stories and create rituals that support the dying and the grieving.
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practices like shrouding and home funerals.
Lesson 2: Disposition Options & Environmentalism in Deathcare
Make meaningful, eco-conscious choices for after death
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Navigate the modern funeral industry and conventional burial options.
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the science behind green practices like water cremation and natural organic reduction.
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the environmental impact of conventional methods and the regenerative, alchemical impact of returning our bodies to the Earth.
Lesson 3: Grief as Praise
Honor the grieving process as a sacred expression of love
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Research cultural and ancestral grief practices.
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grief as a powerful, communal act of healing.
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tools for processing unspoken grief and intergenerational trauma.
Lesson 4: Ceremony & Crafting Meaningful Rituals
Master the art of creating heartfelt ceremonies
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the essential functions and history of funeral services.
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a template to support you in writing your own services.
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practice crafting meaningful ceremonies that give grief a place to live.
Lesson 5: Case Studies & Real-Life Applications
Deepen your understanding with real-world examples
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impactful stories of doulas in action.
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designing personalized care and ceremonies.
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in collaborative breakout groups to refine your skills.
Lesson 6: Business of Doulaship
Build a sustainable practice
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entrepreneurial strategies for end-of-life care.
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to work effectively with funeral homes and families.
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contracts, set rates, and connect with your community.
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Why This Course?
This intimate, hands-on training equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate, informed support during life’s most profound transition. By learning together in person, we foster a deeply nourishing environment where meaningful connections naturally form. Participants often share common threads—an interest in this sacred work, depth of character, and personal experiences with loss—creating a uniquely supportive and compatible community.
Whether you’re seeking to bring these skills into your personal life and community or stepping into the role of a professional death doula, this course offers best practices, profound insights, and the encouragement of an inspiring group of like-minded individuals.
In one powerful afternoon, we’ll explore the art and practice of home funerals, deepen our knowledge of green burial, learn foundational body care techniques, and dive into the soulwork of ceremony and community grief. Together, we’ll craft funeral rituals that are rich with meaning and shaped by love, while gaining practical tools you can bring into real-life conversations and care with families.
This is the hillside. This is the pause at the gate.
Threshold isn’t the whole journey, but it’s a step toward the sacred work of deathcare.
Come ask the question. Come cross the threshold.
Optional Certification
An optional exam is available after the class, awarding a certificate of completion to acknowledge your dedication and study.