END OF LIFE TRAINING RETREAT
Let's share knowledge, hold each other in exploration, and steep ourselves in the complexity of life and the mystery of death!
Join the GwG team for an in-person, intensive End of Life Training Retreat
During this in-person training experience, students can take time away from their normal routines of life to share space, wisdom, and communal medicine as they explore the ancient and practical craft of supporting others through death and dying. Much like death itself, which is done in community, death practices are also best learned and assimilated in community.
Students will learn alongside the Going with Grace team and an intimate cohort of no more than 44 individuals in this unique opportunity to complete the comprehensive End of Life Training Program in a hybrid setting.
While some of the learning will be completed individually online in preparation for the retreat, the bulk of the lessons will be experienced while connecting in person with like-minded individuals from all over the world to sharpen skills and explore life’s most complex and simplest questions.
The beauty of the retreat’s setting paired with the concepts and practices explored in the daily sessions will create a space for students to experience the transformation of their lives and their deaths along with the deaths of those they choose to serve. Using cultural, philosophical, practical, and personal perspectives to explore conscious dying as a vehicle for conscious living, students can critically examine their own narratives around death, which will better prepare them to support others.
Upon completion students will be granted a certificate of completion of the course as death doulas and end of life planners. Once returning home, students will be prepared to take the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) proficiency assessment which tests the core competencies of doula practice. Currently, this is the only recognition of a death doula’s competency in the work and offers a badge of proficiency that holds international weight.
CHOOSE THE LOCATION & DATES THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU!
Retreat 11
March 4th-8th
Albuquerque, NM
Enrollment is now closed.
Join us at Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque, NM from March 4th-8th.
Retreat 12
June 3rd-7th
Pembroke, VA
Enrollment is NOW OPEN!
Join us at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA from June 3rd-7th.
Retreat 13
August 12th-16th
Nashville, TN
Enrollment is NOW OPEN!
Join us at Evins Mill Resort & Retreat Center in Nashville, TN from August 12th-16th.
Retreat 14
October 7th-11th
Manhattan Beach, CA
Enrollment is opening soon!
Join us at The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA from October 7th-11th.
HERE IS WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY...
Lodging
Students will stay in double-occupancy lodging for the duration of the retreat. (Please note, that single occupancy is not available. Roommate preferences will be honored to the best of our ability.)
Daily Meals
Nutritious group meals will be served to students daily during their stay. Dietary accommodations will be available when made in advance for allergies, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs.
End of Life Training Program Enrollment
The cost of enrollment for the End of Life Training Program ($1895) is included in your retreat package.
Airport Shuttle
There will be one complimentary shuttle for both arrival and departure from the retreat center’s closest airport, provided the airport is more than 20 miles from the retreat center.
Students will train alongside an intimate cohort of no more than 44 individuals and learn to:
Financial Commitment
Please click to expand each item below for more details on enrollment tuition options before selecting your choice. There will be limited availability for tiered enrollment pricing.
Retreat Tuition Details
One of the key principles at Going with Grace is justice.
Death is a social event, and how we die is a culturally constructed process that is informed by social power dynamics that are not equal. In response to this, our team practices deathwork as a form of activism that rallies against systems, standards, and structures that keep marginalized communities on the margins all the way through to the end of their lives.
As part of our commitment to justice and liberation work, we are dedicated to making our programming accessible to aspiring death doulas from all communities, backgrounds, and lived experiences. To support this vision, we are proud to offer equitable and flexible payment options, all with monthly payment plans available.
Retreat Tuition Options*:
- Retreat Enrollment + ½ Enrollment Sponsorship for a financial contribution of $5,963
- Retreat Enrollment for a financial contribution of $3,975
- Tier 1 Retreat Enrollment for a financial contribution of $2,475 (6 spaces available)
- Tier 2 Retreat Enrollment for a financial contribution of $500 (3 spaces available)
*Your retreat enrollment tuition covers double occupancy lodging, daily meals, and snacks, shuttle service between the retreat center and the airport, a welcome bag of useful goodies, and enrollment in the Going with Grace End-of-Life Training Program ($1895). Any unplanned expenses or travel fees outside of the scheduled shuttle service are not included in your enrollment.
Selecting Your Retreat Tuition Option
We invite you to thoughtfully select a tuition option that aligns with your current reality. This process begins with honest reflection. Consider your earning potential and access to resources, considering factors such as race, class, education, gender, and ability – even if you are not currently maximizing that potential.
To assist you in this process, we have provided the following reflection questions:
- What is my current earning potential or access to resources, considering factors like race, class, education level, gender, ability, and other social identities?
- Am I struggling to meet my basic needs, such as food and housing?
- What is my gross annual income?
- Beyond my annual income, what privileges or safety nets do I have access to? (For example, family support, savings, assets, investments, retirement funds, inheritance, trust funds.)
- Am I currently in debt? If so, is my debt manageable within my financial circumstances?
- If I have discretionary funds, how do I typically prioritize and spend them?
- What payment amount may push me slightly outside of my comfort zone but still allow me to avoid long-term financial hardship?
Consider selecting Retreat Enrollment + ½ Enrollment Sponsorship if you meet some to all of the following:
- Have earning potential and/or proximity to power due to race, class, level of education, gender, ability, etc, even if currently not exercising that potential.
- Have housing security through homeownership or comfortable rent.
- Have access to liquid assets such as cash, and non-liquid assets such as investments, stocks, and inheritance.
- Have access to expendable income, with flexibility for discretionary expenses.
- Have opportunities to decline work or take extended time away from employment while maintaining financial stability.
- Have little to no financial burden.
Consider selecting Retreat Enrollment if you meet some to all of the following:
- Have earning potential and/or proximity to power due to race, class, level of education, gender, ability, etc, even if currently not exercising that potential.
- Have secure housing through homeownership, a reliable rent arrangement, or access to stable living conditions.
- Have comfort in meeting basic needs, including food, transportation, and healthcare, without significant financial strain.
- Have the ability to decline work or take extended time away from employment while meeting basic needs.
- Are single and/or without dependents.
Consider selecting Retreat Tiered Enrollment Pricing if you meet some to all of the following:
- Experience housing insecurity.
- Experience inconsistencies in meeting basic needs.
- Experience instability in employment opportunities.
- Are supporting children or other dependents.
- Have significant debt.
- Have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
- Are eligible for public assistance.
- Have immigration-related expenses.
- Are an elder with limited financial support.
- Are an unpaid community organizer.
- Are returning to the workforce after incarceration / have been denied work due to incarceration history.
- Experience discrimination in hiring or pay level.
- Are Black, Brown, Indigenous, or Person of Color.
We trust that those with greater financial capacity will contribute more, ensuring that our work remains accessible to all those who would like to participate. Thank you for being a part of this transformative community.
Retreat Enrollment + Sponsorship Info
Retreat Enrollment + ½ Enrollment Sponsorship – $5,963
In the spirit of practicing community care, we invite you to sponsor another student as a part of your contribution so that we may communally make this offering more widely accessible to all. Your generosity will support in getting someone here who otherwise may not be able to attend.
A non-refundable $25.00 application fee and non-refundable $500.00 deposit will be included in the total cost of your retreat package.
Retreat Enrollment + ½ Enrollment Sponsorship is for those who meet some to all of the following:
- Have earning potential and/or proximity to power due to race, class, level of education, gender, ability, etc, even if currently not exercising that potential.
- Have housing security through homeownership or comfortable rent.
- Have access to liquid assets such as cash, and non-liquid assets such as investments, stocks, and inheritance.
- Have access to expendable income, with flexibility for discretionary expenses.
- Have opportunities to decline work or take extended time away from employment while maintaining financial stability.
- Have little to no financial burden.
Retreat Enrollment + ½ Enrollment Sponsorship Payment Options:
- One-time payment of $5,963
- Two monthly payments of $3,067*
- Three monthly payments of $2,045*
- Four monthly payments of $1,534*
- Five monthly payments of $1,227*
*A processing fee is added to payment plans to cover additional processing costs.
Retreat Enrollment Info
Retreat Enrollment – $3,975
A non-refundable $25.00 application fee and non-refundable $500.00 deposit will be included in the total cost of your retreat package.
Retreat Enrollment is for those who meet some to all of the following:
- Have earning potential and/or proximity to power due to race, class, level of education, gender, ability, etc, even if currently not exercising that potential.
- Have secure housing through homeownership, a reliable rent arrangement, or access to stable living conditions.
- Have comfort in meeting basic needs, including food, transportation, and healthcare, without significant financial strain.
- Have the ability to decline work or take extended time away from employment while meeting basic needs.
- Are single and/or without dependents.
Retreat Enrollment Payment Options:
- One-time payment of $3,975
- Two monthly payments of $2,045*
- Three monthly payments of $1,363*
- Four monthly payments of $1,023*
- Five monthly payments of $818*
*A processing fee is added to payment plans to cover additional processing costs.
Retreat Tiered Enrollment Pricing Info
Please note:
- Before applying for Tiered Enrollment Pricing, carefully review the criteria outlined below. Please select the Tier that best fits your current needs to ensure that our work remains accessible to all who would like to participate.
- Tiered Enrollment Pricing is limited, and each tier will fill on a rolling basis.
- A non-refundable $25.00 application fee and non-refundable $500.00 deposit will be included in the total cost of your retreat package.
- Monthly payment plans are available for all tiers with additional processing fees to cover additional processing costs.
Retreat Tiered Enrollment Pricing is for those who meet some to all of the following:
- Experience housing insecurity.
- Experience inconsistencies in meeting basic needs.
- Experience instability in employment opportunities.
- Are supporting children or other dependents.
- Have significant debt.
- Have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
- Are eligible for public assistance.
- Have immigration-related expenses.
- Are an elder with limited financial support.
- Are an unpaid community organizer.
- Are returning to the workforce after incarceration / have been denied work due to incarceration history.
- Experience discrimination in hiring or pay level.
- Are Black, Brown, Indigenous, or Person of Color.
Tier 1 Retreat Enrollment – $2,475 (6 Spaces Available Per Retreat)
Payment Options:
- One-time payment of $2,475
- Two monthly payments of $1,274*
- Three monthly payments of $849*
- Four monthly payments of $637*
- Five monthly payments of $509*
Tier 2 Retreat Enrollment – $500 (3 Spaces Available Per Retreat)
Payment Options:
- One-time payment of $500
- Two monthly payments of $258*
- Three monthly payments of $172*
- Four monthly payments of $129*
- Five monthly payments of $103*
*A processing fee is added to payment plans to cover additional processing costs.
Retreat Itinerary*
Day 1
1/2 Day
Afternoon arrival
Check-in
Evening Session
Group Dinner
Meet + Greet Social Hour
Day 2
Full Day
Group Breakfast
Morning Session
Group Lunch
Afternoon Session
Group Dinner
Evening Session
Day 3
Full Day
Group Breakfast
Morning Session
Group Lunch
Afternoon Session
Group Dinner
Group Activity
Day 4
Full Day
Group Breakfast
Morning Session
Group Lunch
Afternoon Session
Group Dinner
Graduation Celebration
Day 5
1/4 Day
Group Breakfast
Morning departure
*The retreat itinerary is tentative and may be subject to change
**Click on each day above for expanded details
FAQ's
Do you have additional questions about the Going with Grace End of Life Training In-Person Retreat? Email support@goingwithgrace.com and our team would be happy to assist you.
What is a Death Doula or End of Life Planner?
A death doula or end of life planner provides compassionate, non-medical care and support to people preparing for death and their families throughout the process. Also known as death midwives or end of life guides, this role has existed for as long as humans have been living and dying.
Practices vary widely: some doulas focus on bedside presence, others assist with practical end of life planning, and some offer spiritual guidance or support with home funerals. No matter the approach, this work is about journeying alongside others with care and professionalism, offering meaningful support in one of life’s most profound transitions.
What skills/background do I need to do this work?
It is not necessary to have a particular educational background to begin being with dying. Realistically, you’ve already got most of the skills you need! Kindness, compassion, creativity, patience, and deep listening go a long way when supporting people for death. However, it is important to possess some other knowledge in preparing people for death.
You can learn it all in this program, and gain experience in the field. Find a hospice program near you and sign up to volunteer. Not only will you gain practical experience, but you will also build connections and support a crucial component of end of life care.
Are there career options available after I complete this training?
For now, death doulas and other end of life professionals are private practitioners and entrepreneurs raising awareness about the work and paving the path for this field to become an institutional standard for end of life care. Developed to meet the emerging needs of society discovered through the practice, this course will teach you all the elements of effective non-medical end of life support. This work can be easily integrated into your current practice: estate planners, massage therapists, teachers, caregivers, the list goes on! Use this course to enhance your current offerings or create a new path. The opportunities are endless.
Going with Grace envisions a death doula or end of life planner position available in a cross section of industries as society’s needs for competent end of life support increases. Culturally, we’ve undergone a shift in how we relate to birth, and we believe the same is possible for death. For now, we are committed to creating standardized levels of education and competencies to ensure that the training programs can prepare people to professionally support at the end of life and receive compensation to do so.
Who is this retreat for?
The End of Life Training In-Person retreat is for anyone looking to support others through death and dying. You may take this training for personal use to bring support to your friends, family, and community, or for professional use to become a certified death doula and start your own practice.
Can I attend if I have already graduated from the GwG End of Life Training Course?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re a graduate of the End of Life Training course, you’re more than welcome to apply again. While the core curriculum will be familiar, we’ve made several updates and the retreat format provides added layers of intimacy, connection, and community. Please note that tuition discounts are not offered for returning alumni.
If I applied for a previous retreat, do I have to reapply?
Yes, we do ask that you reapply if it’s been more than a year since your last application. Life changes—and as death doulas, we know how journeys evolve—so updating your info helps us get the clearest picture of where you are now.
When you’re ready, return to the retreat application and check the box that says you’ve applied before. This will open a shorter version of the application for you to update and waive your application fee.
If I applied for the online EOLT, do I have to reapply for the retreat?
Yes, since the applications and process are separate, you’ll need to complete the retreat application and pay the $25 fee. However, if you end up enrolling in one of the courses, we’ll refund the $25 application fee for the course you didn’t enroll in.
When will the retreat take place?
- Retreat 11 – March 4-8, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM
- Retreat 12 – June 3-7, 2026 in Pembroke, VA
- Retreat 13 – August 12-16, 2026 in Nashville, TN
- Retreat 14 – October 7-11, 2026 in Manhattan Beach, CA
What airport should I fly into?
- March 2026 – Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- June 2026 – Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA)
- August 2026 – Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- October 2026 – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Will there be transportation available from the airport?
Yes, there will be one complimentary shuttle for both arrival and departure from the retreat center’s closest airport, provided the airport is more than 20 miles from the retreat center. If you cannot make the provided shuttle time or the airport is less than 20 miles from the retreat center, you must make transportation arrangements at your own expense.
Are there other transportation options?
You may make your own transportation arrangements via car rental, ride-share, transportation service, or driving your own vehicle, etc., at your own expense.
What are the housing options available?
Students will stay in double-occupancy rooms throughout the retreat. While single rooms aren’t available, we do our best to honor roommate preferences whenever possible.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes! If you’re enrolling with someone you know, we’re happy to room you together. We’ll also ask about roommate preferences during the process and do our best to accommodate them.
Can friends or family stay on site with me?
No, to keep the experience focused and intimate, only those enrolled in the End of Life Training Retreat are permitted to stay on site. This helps support the connection and community container we’re co-creating together.
Can I attend if I have off-site lodging?
No, the retreat is designed to build an immersive, intimate community, which relies on everyone staying on site. Being together allows us to hold the container we’re co-creating—cultivating deep connection, journeying side by side, and staying fully present in the work.
Are dietary accommodations available?
Yes! Dietary accommodations can be made in advance for allergies, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs.
When is the enrollment deadline for the retreat?
Enrollment will close either one month prior to the retreat start date or once capacity is reached—whichever occurs first.
Am I guaranteed enrollment after applying?
Enrollment is not guaranteed. If your application is accepted, you will receive a congratulatory admissions email with enrollment details and agreements. To preserve the depth and integrity of the retreat experience, space is limited—we encourage you to complete your enrollment promptly upon receiving your admissions email.
If we’re unable to offer you a spot in this retreat, you’ll be invited to join a future online group study session or participate in our self-study program. Due to the high volume of applications, please allow up to 14 weeks for our team to carefully review your submission and notify you of your admissions status.
What payment options are available for the retreat?
You may enroll using one of the payment options below purchasing with Credit, Debit, or PayPal. Please keep in mind that the total cost of the retreat must be fulfilled before arrival. Please reference the dates below to see when each payment option will close.
Unfortunately, at this time, we will not be able to accommodate custom payment plans or pause/update your payment date. If you need to update your payment information you can do so HERE.
March 2026 | Albuquerque, NM
- To pay using a 5-month payment plan, you must enroll by NOVEMBER 3, 2025.
- To pay using a 4-month payment plan, you must enroll by DECEMBER 3, 2025.
- To pay using a 3-month payment plan, you must enroll by JANUARY 3, 2026.
- To pay using a 2-month payment plan, you must enroll by FEBRUARY 3, 2026.
- To pay using a one-time payment, you must enroll by FEBRUARY 3, 2026.
June 2026 | Pembroke, VA
- To pay using a 5-month payment plan, you must enroll by FEBRUARY 2, 2026.
- To pay using a 4-month payment plan, you must enroll by MARCH 2, 2026.
- To pay using a 3-month payment plan, you must enroll by APRIL 2, 2026.
- To pay using a 2-month payment plan, you must enroll by MAY 2, 2026.
- To pay using a one-time payment, you must enroll by MAY 2, 2026.
August 2026 | Nashville, TN
- To pay using a 5-month payment plan, you must enroll by APRIL 11, 2026.
- To pay using a 4-month payment plan, you must enroll by MAY 11, 2026.
- To pay using a 3-month payment plan, you must enroll by JUNE 11, 2026.
- To pay using a 2-month payment plan, you must enroll by JULY 11, 2026.
- To pay using a one-time payment, you must enroll by JULY 11, 2026.
October 2026 | Manhattan Beach, CA
- To pay using a 5-month payment plan, you must enroll by JUNE 6, 2026
- To pay using a 4-month payment plan, you must enroll by JULY 6, 2026
- To pay using a 3-month payment plan, you must enroll by AUGUST 6, 2026
- To pay using a 2-month payment plan, you must enroll by SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
- To pay using a one-time payment, you must enroll by SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
A processing fee will be added to payment plans to cover additional processing costs.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes! We will have flexible payment plans for all enrollment options and a limited number of tiered pricing enrollment spaces available.
What is the refund policy?
A full refund is available up to 60 days before the retreat, minus your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and $500.00 non-refundable deposit. If your purchase date is less than 60 days before the retreat start date, no refund is available.
What is your COVID/illness policy?
In alignment with other retreat centers and following CDC guidance, we do not require COVID or other health screenings for participation. Instead, we encourage a culture of self-monitoring, and trusting our community members to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being including masking when you deem it appropriate, using sanitizer and keeping elevated standards of cleanliness.
We encourage all participants to monitor themselves for any symptoms of illness before traveling, take preventive measures while in transit, and stay home if feeling unwell. If symptoms develop while at the retreat, we ask that you notify the team and take appropriate precautions, such as isolating from the group, seeking medical guidance, or making arrangements to leave if necessary.
While we deeply understand the challenges illness can bring, we will be unable to offer refunds for health-related cancellations. Our standard cancellation, refund, and deferment policies will apply, and any additional costs related to illness, including travel changes or extended accommodations, will be the sole responsibility of the participant.
Our team will continue to assess health conditions and public health recommendations. Should circumstances change, we will update our policies accordingly to ensure the safety of our community. We appreciate your understanding, care, and mindfulness in creating a retreat space that prioritizes the well-being of all. Thank you for being a part of this community!
What is the deferment policy?
In general, deferments are not offered for the In-Person Retreat. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise.
If you’re facing a unique situation, it is more than 60 days before your scheduled retreat, and you’d like to explore possible options, please reach out to us at support@goingwithgrace.com.
MEET THE RETREAT TEAM
Alua Arthur (she/her)
Facilitator
Corie McMillan (they/them)
Facilitator
Nicole Briggs-Gary (she/her)
Facilitator
Megan Moten (she/they)
Facilitator
Aba Arthur (she/her)
Logistics
Sara Westfall (she/her)
Logistics
Here's what our students are saying about their experience at the End of Life Training Retreat...
“Transformative. I was expecting some sharing to occur but it mostly be about the work. What I didn’t expect was to have a truly life changing experience. To share and be in community with 50 other people all with the same focus felt wonderful. This retreat met me where I was, broke me entirely and gently put the pieces back. I’m still me but so much fuller and so grateful. I am so glad that I invested in me. This experience was worth every penny!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2025
“Alua and her team were thoughtful, insightful, and heart-centered instructors who gave fully of themselves and brought real-life experience with death and dying to bare. I appreciated the invitation extended to students to help co-create the lessons within a safe, inclusive, social justice, and trauma- informed container. I entered with the hope of learning how to help others with their death and dying and I left with a deeper understanding and acceptance of my own death. The impact of this work continues to penetrate as I dig into the resource materials provided during the course. This is definitely a course that will keep on giving well into the future. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2023
“I have told everyone that this experience was life changing and one I may never be able to fully put to words, but my goodness can my heart and body feel so much. This is by far the best retreat and training I have ever done and I have done a lot (this includes my doctoral program which was cholk full of experiential exercises and experiences)! It was comprehensive, it was trauma informed, it was anti-racist (all anti’s), truly inclusive, it was so clearly intentional from every detail and it was felt. It helped me feel safe and held. Thank you, truly.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2024
“This retreat acted as a cocoon to explore the much needed conversation and transformation of our relationship with death and death work in our culture. I am so appreciative of how the space was held with such kindness and wisdom by the Going with Grace team.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2024
“Although this is a course about death, it was a very life-affirming experience! All the juiciest parts of life were explored, and meaningful connections made. So much thought was put into every aspect of the retreat, including food, roommate pairings in the accommodation, the course material, our wellbeing, etc. All of this meant that I felt very well cared for and could fully engage in the work. The facilitators and support team are a wonderfully diverse group, who each bring a unique flavor to the work. 10/10, Highly recommend!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2025
“It was an extraordinary and deeply impactful experience. Although it is only five days, you go so deep into the exploration of death that it felt like weeks or months. Whether you want to become a doula or not, examining your own feelings about death is hard and you could not ask for a safer container in which to do so.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2022
“Magical. It’s pure magic. Indescribable and oh so nourishing. Prepare yourself to be transformed.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2024
“I am still not able to fully articulate into words my experience. Life changing. Fun (yes, fun!). Joyful – I felt so much joy throughout the retreat in knowing that I was at the exact right place at the exact right time. Inspired to see so many people interested in this work.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2024
“Going With Grace has developed an in-depth course for all people exploring end of life planning and working with people around death. I can’t imagine a program put together with more intention and heart than what I experienced at the retreat.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2023
“DO IT! You are not an imposter. If this is tugging at you to learn more, BUY THE TICKET AND TAKE THE RIDE!!! This retreat is worth every single penny.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2023
“This was an incredible healing and learning journey. The team are amazing; they model compassionate, liberatory, community care and death work. I feel blessed to have been part of this experience, and inspired to keep doing death work!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2023
“It is hard to describe what happened for me at this retreat. It has changed my view on myself, my work, my family and my patients in a way that is profoundly deep. If you are thinking death work OR not I would tell anyone I love to attend this retreat so that you can see what is really important in this short life we are living. My gratitude, understanding of humankind, openness, honesty and death care has grow immensely.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2024
“It’s impossible to put into words – but I felt as if my body were filled with the joy of presence and sturdiness of purpose and at the same time I was completely burst open into pieces that make up a life. I could observe myself and my beautiful cohort confront our grief, our mortality, our hopes and dreams for our lives and for this world. I felt myself come back together into myself as a truer me, and comfortable in the power of exactly who I am – a limited but limitless human in a body, completely filled with the light of the potential of every thing that it means to be alive.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2025
“I’m someone who shies away from calling moments “life-changing”. The retreat genuinely was life-changing, mind shifting, and deeply fulfilling. What’s more was that it was a rare space where I felt truly surrounded by like-minded compassionate individuals. Furthermore, the Going with Grace team was so inspiring and beautiful inside and out. I went home feeling whole. The retreat was a special time that I hold close to my heart. When it comes to telling a friend about the experience, I ultimately tell them that it was worth every penny.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2025
“I feel like attending this retreat was a watershed moment in the trajectory of my life, career, and journey as a human being. I am so profoundly impacted by being held and seen and heard by “strangers” who very quickly became soul fam members. It’s so funny because I debated with myself for days about applying, but after having experienced the magic of the in-person retreat, I cannot even fathom not being a part of it. This retreat is about mortality and dying, but really, it’s about living authentically, and facing the unknown and mysterious parts of ourselves and our lives with courage and (sometimes brutal) honesty. Alua and the entire team are extraordinary, such beautiful beings that made me feel excited that these people, in this field, exist. 10000/10 recommend.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2025
“This retreat was profound and weeks later I am still being changed by it. The retreat invited all of us to live in our purpose and use our unique gifts to engage in death work on small or large scales. This retreat is not only for people who might want to pursue a career in death work. It was clear that if all we do is talk to our families or do our own death planning, that is enough, and that gave the sense that all of us are welcome to this work. We could take what was meaningful and useful and perhaps do nothing with the rest if that’s what we choose. Through each moment and emotion that arose– joy, grief, righteous rage, confusion– we were held, we were offered support, we were seen and witnessed. Even as I write it, I’m filled with tears because I felt so seen, and multidimensionally seen, by the participants and the GwG team. Without a doubt, if someone is considering attending this retreat, even if it’s just out of curiosity, I would say do it!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2025
“The best retreat I ever attended. Who knew talking about death and dying could be so much fun? Important information for every person on the planet, even if they never want to become a professional Death Doula.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2023
“I have attended numerous retreats in the past; however, none ever affected me the way this one did. I felt like pieces of my heart stepped outside my body when we were all saying goodbye on our last day. The work we did was heavy, juicy, painful, alchemizing, soulful, transformative and life changing. Lots of surrendering, re-birthing and shape-shifting took place for everyone. I am infinitely grateful for this in person retreat.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student September 2024
“To transform a life, to be so impactful to someone that you shatter their world-and what rises from your impact is a new and beautiful path forward…a path someone was always meant to be on, but the walls had to shatter first…that’s the kind of impact you all had on my life. It was the most beautiful deep dive into my own humanity, my legacy, my purpose and my death.”– End of Life Training Retreat Student July 2025
“Do it. If you’ve thought about it, these are the best people to do it with. You’re already resonating with the gift of life and the mystery of death, do it with a group that champions diversity, integrity, love, and differences. Do it!” – End of Life Training Student March 2023
“A life-changing experience that will forever resonate in my soul! The GWG team and the other participants created a safe space for us to learn and explore death care and the increasing revolutionary role of a Death Doula. The facilities were beyond beautiful, providing a glamping environment nestled in nature. We learned, we laughed, we cried, we embraced, we ate, we drank, we connected. Repeat.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2023
“This profound retreat does not waste your time. It has the finest, wise, experienced, and compassionate teachers. I am going to live better, teach better, and die better because of this retreat. This is the best retreat in my life. It was the finest investment I have made in my life.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2024
“This was one of the most life affirming events of my life! Tremendous and valuable education and experience in a magical environment, where we could all show up as our very human selves and feel empowered to contribute to and learn from the whole group.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student July 2025
“This retreat has truly been life-changing for me. An opportunity to step away from hectic schedules, reflect on what really matters, and envision a new path forward. I am so grateful! THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE GWG TEAM!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2022
“At the retreat, I was able to make real connections with the training cohort. We learned together, we got curious together, we laughed, cried, and healed together. If you are looking for bright and brave humans, who are ready to be both teachers and students, who offer heart centered guidance, and who show up with authentic presence, then these are your people.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2022
“J O Y, I felt pure JOY to be a part of this retreat – and hey, we talked about DEATH all the time! Alua and her extraordinary, loving, and caring team made this experience a life-changer for me. I traveled a long, long way, and I am so, so happy I did. If your heart is calling, answer and apply!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2024
“What I found most inspiring and life-giving about this retreat experience, was the loving presence of the Going with Grace team. Their intentional heart centered guidance and presence, every step of the way, was so powerful. They lead with love, and they showed up as their authentic selves, with a healthy dose of humor sprinkled in along the way.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student November 2022
“This is not just a retreat. This is a community. This is a choir, here to harmonize with your calling.” – End of Life Training Retreat Student March 2023
“We are wounded in community and we heal in community. Together, we explored, touched, and healed some of the collective aches inherent in a death-phobic culture. The education sessions were designed to wash over and pour into you, and I left feeling like I could embody the change I want to see within death care. If you feel any kind of tickle or spark around this work, this retreat is a safe, wise space to lean into it!” – End of Life Training Retreat Student July 2025
Join the End of Life Training In-Person Retreat!
Enrollment is NOW OPEN for 2026 retreats!
Student Testimonials
We have proudly trained over 3000+ students from 55 countries around the world to become Death Doulas. Learn what their experience was like as an End of Life Training Student.
GwG Facilitators
The Going with Grace Facilitators are a team of knowledgeable and committed Death Doulas who will support students by leading courses, workshops, retreats, and webinars. These facilitators were engaged and dynamic End of Life Training students, exceptional leaders as Student Guides, and have shown a strong commitment to their communities and this work.
Program Contributors
The Going with Grace End of Life Training program will develop your unique offering and prepare you to make it come alive in the world. Each module is led by Alua Arthur and contains videos from a variety of experts in the field to create a context for the work.
