Intro to My Work
End-of-life doulas (more commonly known as death doulas) are non-medical professionals specifically trained to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for those at the end-of-life stage and advocate for the wishes of the dying (or living!) to reduce burnout or emotional fatigue.
I'm a death doula, end-of-life photographer, grief companion, spiritual guide, and death work educator. I came into death work because I wanted to help de-sensationalize death, mainly in marginalized communities where our trauma is televised for entertainment or used as shock value to further political narratives. I envision a world where people are comfortable with facing death, so I dedicate my practice to removing the taboo and fear surrounding death in western
culture and replacing it with wonder, curiosity, and clarity.
Death Doula training: International Doula Life Movement in 2021 / Going with Grace in 2023
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For services, please click here.
"I had a wonderful experience with Mikayla creating a plan for my bedside vigil. She was compassionate and inclusive and asked questions that will ensure not only my comfort but the comfort of my loved ones. I highly recommend her services."
- Harvey (from USA)
About Me
Death Doula | Healer |Â Poet |Â Author
My name is Mikayla (she/they) and I am a death doula born and raised in Atlanta, GA.
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When I was a small child, I never really pictured myself actually being a death worker. It was something that always interested me and something I was drawn to, but I never thought I had what it took to be something like a funeral director, mortician, or grief therapist. It was one of those things I'd chalked up to my morbid curiosity as the only goth kid in miles wherever I went.
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It was the summer of 2021 when I discovered what death doulas were. I knew in that moment that holistic death work was what I was meant to be doing. I felt it in my soul.
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FAQ
What is a death doula?
Death doulas (also known as end-of-life doulas) are non-medical professionals specifically trained to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for those at the end-of-life stage and advocate for the wishes of the dying (or living!) to reduce burnout or emotional fatigue.
Are you certified?
Yes. Specialized and extensive training exists through several reputable providers — which I've completed and continue to learn from. Although it's not a requirement to go through any sort of training to become an end-of-life doula, I earned my certification through the International Doula Life Movement and continued my education through Going with Grace.
Are you affordable?
Everyone is different. Some people may want a single session to vent and get their frustrations out to someone who will listen to them, and others seek to find a more empathetic and personalized alternative to clinical therapy. No matter the reason, I work with my clients to ensure affordability and flexibility while still respecting my own hard work and valuable time. If you're in need of financial assistance, please feel free to mention that in your inquiry.
Does insurance cover your services?
At this time, neither medical nor private insurances cover deathcare services. For this reason, I offer payment plans and other options to make my services available to everyone.
How do I go about sponsoring those who can't afford your regular services?
If you would like to sponsor a client or their family for services, please click here for more information.
I want to become a death doula, but I can't afford to take a course.
As I mentioned before, you don't need to take a certification course to take steps toward becoming a death doula; it's an elective choice if you feel like you need the networking, community, and knowledge all in one place. Most programs offer scholarships, but if you're more comfortable working with someone one on one on a pay-what-you-can basis, I have a service specifically catered to helping future death doulas start their journey into death work. Please check out my services page for more information on that.
Astounding experience. Mikayla's methods create a close bond between death doula and client. The conversations are personalized for each individual as so I felt like she actually listened to what I had to say. One of my personal favorite moments during our session was dismantling the tremendous fear of talking about death and saying my farewells to my family.
As we marched towards the end, I was no longer shivering with the thought of not being around. I set standards thanks to her guidance and let myself to be honest and clear with how I wanted to leave earth.
I'd also like to emphasize how sweet and honest Mikayla is. She creates a space for the client to feel comfortable and heard in an empathetic and straightforward. I'd definitely book with her again.