In truth - you may not! Death doulas serve as an advocate for the dying and/or their families. Sometimes, there are situations where the dying and their family are not in agreement regarding the dying process, and a death doula can serve as an advocate for the dying’s wants and wishes.
When I worked in assisted living, I noticed that dying could be a very lonely process. As jobs and working have been prioritized and the skyrocketing costs of travel, many people die without their family and loved ones around, sometimes separated by the entire country. A UN report in June 2025 noted that every hour, 100 people die of loneliness-related causes.
We are not healthcare professionals and are not a replacement for both physical medical care or mental health care. I do not provide hands-on medical care and do not interfere in the choices of the dying and their medical professionals or family. My clients guide the services provided and I am there as a support system and advocate only. Death doulas provide additional support alongside spiritual, emotional and community based supports.
While there is no specific ‘training’ for death doulas, I received my end-of-life doula certificate through IAP Career College in 2025. This training program outlines the basics for what death doulas provide and has complimented my existing experience practicing.
In short - yes. I believe all people should be able to die with dignity and I believe medical aid in dying allows for that. As a death doula, I will advocate for others and/or clients to have this care should they wish. However, to reiterate - I will never provide medical care or medical aid in dying.
Yes, I do charge an hourly rate for most services. For living and death vigils, I apply a package pricing depending on what services are desired.
My legal name is not Mynerva Archer - it is my affirmed name. If you would like to see my credentials, please contact me!
A death doula offers non-medical support before, during, and after a death. That can look like sitting with you at appointments, helping you think through end-of-life wishes, planning a vigil, or simply being present so you're not carrying it alone. I work alongside hospice and medical teams rather than in place of them, and I shape the support around what you and your family actually need, not a fixed script.
Death doula work is private-pay, since insurance doesn't yet cover it in most cases. Pricing depends on how much support you need, from a single conversation to ongoing care over weeks or months. Reach out for a consultation and I'll walk you through options that fit your situation.
Hospice provides licensed medical care, pain management, and clinical oversight. A death doula provides the human side, emotional support, advocacy, planning, and presence, without a medical license attached. Most families use both together. Hospice handles the physical care, and I help hold the rest, from difficult conversations to the quiet moments in between.
A living vigil, sometimes called a celebration of life while someone is still here, is a gathering that lets you honor a person's life with them present to experience it. Instead of waiting for a funeral, you get to say the things that matter and celebrate together while there's still time. I help plan and hold space for these gatherings so the family can be fully present instead of managing logistics.
A death vigil is the presence I offer during someone's final hours or days, whether that's in a home, hospice facility, or hospital. My role is to help the person and their family feel less alone, whether that means quiet company, help understanding what's normal in the dying process, or simply making sure someone is there so no one has to face that moment by themselves.
Losing a pet is a real loss, and it deserves real space to grieve, even though the world doesn't always treat it that way. The most helpful thing you can do is let the person talk about their pet without rushing them toward moving on. If you're the one grieving, pet bereavement support gives you a place to process that loss without anyone minimizing it.
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