What is a doula..?

From the Ancient Greek word meaning ‘female slave’, a Doula today refers to a trained professional who provides expert guidance and support to their clients through a significant experience, such as the end of someones life. This support can be practical, emotional or even spiritual in nature, and often includes supporting the loved ones and carers of the person who is at the end of their life.

End of Life Doulas offer support for individuals, and the families or loved ones of individuals who are nearing the end of their lives or are living with a life limiting illness; serving as companions during those liminal times.

You could say that ‘being mortal’ is a significant experience in itself, as we each come to realise and accept our inherent fragility and limitations. Working with an End of Life doula before you are “actively” dying can be a profound experience. It’s not uncommon for people who are facing the end of their lives to wish that they had begun the process of accepting their mortality much earlier. Discussing and practicing ways to engage more deeply with the truth of our mortality can, ironically, bring us more fully to life. 

Working With Me

  • My in-person work involves supporting those who are actively dying, as well as those living with a life-limiting illness. I approach my work with gentleness, steadiness, and a well-honed presence—whether in vigiling, companionship, or simply being quietly alongside someone and their loved ones. An important part of this work is also tending to the emotional and practical needs of family members and caregivers. I consider it a privilege to support those who are supporting. In-person services are currently limited to London and the South-East. Rates are on a case-by-case basis—please get in touch to discuss what you need and how I may be of help.

  • For those drawn to explore their relationship with death outside of an immediate end-of-life context, I offer one-to-one sessions via Zoom. These are spacious, reflective conversations designed to gently engage with the existential weight which often accompanies mortality. Fear of death can appear as a background hum, or grip us with a force that feels almost paralysing—yet both often go untended to. Rather than treating mortality as something to overcome, we will meet it as a guide. One that can offer clarity, depth, perspective, and even wonder.

    Sessions last around an hour and cost £75 / $95. If cost is a barrier, please reach out—we can likely find an arrangement. I work across time zones, and you’re welcome to get in touch via the contact page if you’d like to book or see whether we’re a good fit.

  • A course on befriending mortality, and awakening to life. Learn more here.

  • If you’re supporting someone who is dying and need guidance, encouragement, or a steady voice on the other end of the phone, I also offer distance support. This is designed to help you feel less alone as you navigate the sometimes complex terrain of end-of-life. Please get in touch to discuss how I can support you.

I am a proud member of End of Life Doula UK, and had the great pleasure of training with Living Well Dying Well, who offer the only certified End of Life Doula training programme in the UK. If you’re in the US and would like to work with a doula in-person, INELDA (the International End of Life Doula Association) will be able to help you.

Some experiences shared…

“I knew I needed to look at my relationship to death, and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. As soon as I found Chloe it was clear that this was the person to accompany me on this journey, and I couldn’t have dreamed up a better guide and companion. She told me that the work we’d do would likely change the way I looked at life, and I didn’t think much of it. But it has. My gratitude for all aspects of existence has exploded. Who knew?!” -ST

“Chloe was my emergency spiritual community throughout an extremely challenging time. I am grateful for her compassionate curiosity and loving groundedness through some of my worst storms. My favourite conversations with her leapt from heartbreak to laughter and back again in seconds. I admire Chloe's aspirations to be an attentive companion to all, especially to that unruly bunch of us occupying the in-betweens of life. I truly cherish my time spent with her.” -JS

“I want to share how truly grateful I am for Chloe’s incredible support during one of the most difficult times of our lives. From the very beginning, Chloe was not only a source of immense knowledge and guidance but also a comforting and compassionate presence. She helped both my mum and me navigate the final stages of Mum’s life with dignity, respect, and gentle understanding. Chloe created an environment where Mum felt heard, safe, and cared for, and where I felt supported and never alone. Chloe’s kindness, wisdom, and calm strength were inspirational. She helped me face the practical and emotional realities of saying goodbye, and her support continued even after Mum’s passing, giving me the tools and reassurance I needed to begin grieving and healing. I can’t imagine having gone through this journey without her. Chloe has a rare gift for making the most painful moments more bearable, and I will forever be thankful for the difference she made in our lives. -SL

I got in touch with Chloe when my father chose to move into end of life care due to a serious heart and kidney condition. We knew he didn’t have many days to live, and Chloe’s advice and support was invaluable and incredible; she guided us, as a family, to create a beautiful and meaningful space for us all, including the hospital staff. Thanks to Chloe's gentle guidance, the space became openly joyful, ceremonial and full of storytelling. Evidently, Chloe has a great depth of knowledge and experience. Light in step, she softly presented options and images for us to consider from ancient wisdoms, she also suggested very practical things that we could do such as bringing in colour, scents, photographs and important personal pieces to accompany our dad on his next journey.

We were so very fortunate to have a week with dad and Chloe absolutely helped us make the most of that time. For those who may have a longer time to accompany their loved ones, I am certain Chloe would be a wonderful, wonderful person to lean on and wish for guidance from. Thank you once again Chloe from all our family. What blessings you helped bring to us. -JO

Chloe came to us to help support my elderly parents. They had always been reluctant to allow help or support of any sort into their home and lives but Chloe’s gentle and compassionate nature soon meant that they welcomed her in and looked forward to her visits, especially Dad once Mum had died. He came to rely on her support, advice and friendship. As did I - her approach to life and death is refreshing and has greatly helped me.

Chloe was there for both my parents in their final days. Dad’s illness meant he had a particularly hard time and was scared and in pain. Chloe worked with us and our full time carer to help reassure him - her gentleness and caring nature at that time was particularly evident. Palliative care and preparing for the end of your and your loved ones life in this country has a long, long way to go and I’m sure having more end of life Doulas like Chloe would be a massive step in the right direction. -PD