Eau Claire/West Central Wisconsin Death/End of Life Doula Specialist Program

If you’re ready to answer your calling and become an End of Life Doula, the International Doula Life Movement’s Death/End of Life Doula Specialist Certification program is for you. 

The first IDLM in-person class to be held in the Chippewa Valley will begin on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Classes will run every other Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CST at a location to be determined in the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In addition to in-person learning, students will complete reading assignments and projects outside of class to facilitate deeper understanding of the subject matter. Students will also receive hands-on training, including practical experience with hospice patients and staff. Training will take place in memory care units,  assisted living facilities, and/or personal care homes. 

*Exact class dates are: September 2, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15, and December 6, 2025.

Class enrollment is limited.  Continue reading to see what we include and all the FREE support and training IDLM gives our community.

$151 / 6 monthly

Overview

At IDLM, we prioritize thorough learning and equipping our students with the necessary skills to become professional doulas in their respective communities. Our program caters to those who wish to assist their loved ones or pursue a career as a doula, and we provide support not only during the course but also after. As a part of our doula community, you will forge meaningful connections and receive the assistance you require to be a successful doula in your community.

The live Death/End of Life Doula Specialist Certification program will walk you through what you need to know in order to become a doula from a practicing standpoint and introduce you to ways to run a business and get your first clients. At IDLM, becoming a specialist as a Death/end of life doula involves training in various areas such as companion doula, contemplative doula, life planning, and end-of-life doula.

IDLM requires graduates to complete 12 credits a year and renew certification every 2 years.  IDLM provides free continuing education. At this time we do not offer continuing education credits for any other professional licensing. Continuing education credits are given free of charge to IDLM students and graduates. 

We ask students to purchase the Barbara Karnes End of Life Guidelines Series books and Always Offer Never Force by visiting Bk Books. Please put in the order form that you are a IDLM Student. 

We also ask that you purchase a book from The Hospice Care Plan by Odonata Care. Please email us at DoulaSupport@InternationalDoulaLifeMovement.com for a special discount code.

Also Included:

All students receive access to our Signature Business 101 Program which includes 7 modules, workbooks, and 1:1 support. This is self-paced so that you can start anytime and we offer the program live several times throughout the year, which is FREE for you to attend—a $400 Value.

  • Live through Google Meets Graduation, and Certificates mailed out. (No digital certificate).
  • Join Our Directory For FREE!
  • Discounts on Future Education Programs.
  • Continuing Support to our Graduates (1:1 if needed).
  • Free monthly Grief Support.
  • Free monthly Death Positive Talk.
  • International Doula Life Movement Family Events.
  • IDLM Book Society.
  • Open office hours to ask questions and receive support.

Free access to our student and graduate community platform. Free to you!

  • Access to our community platform.
  • Member-driven support. You can connect with fellow students on a more intimate level.
  • More safety. This is a private community and offers greater privacy than social media.
  • More flexibility. You can access the platform via desktop or through an app!
  • Monthly themes & weekly prompts. This will offer you ongoing growth and insight.
  • Workshops & webinars. Continuing education nights, special events, and more became easier to keep track of and access replays!
  • Free Resource Library.
  • Free IDLM Doula Mentors Group. Have all the support you need to launch and support you as you run your doula practice.

Topics Covered:

  • A Doula’s Guide to Personal Safety and Boundaries
  • Doula 101
  • Code of Ethics/Scope of Practice of a Doula
  • Inclusivity Practices LGBTQ+
  • Contemplative Doula
  • Contemplative Exercise and Care for the Doula and Caregiver
  • Getting in Touch with Your Own Mortality
  • Holding End of Life/Death Discussions
  • End of Life/ Death Discussions Tools
  • Introductions to Stages of End of Life
  • Part 1 & This How People Die by Barbara Karnes
  • Part 2 & 3 This How People Die by Barbara Karnes
  • Doula Apprenticeship – Stages of End of Life Care
  • Odonata Care:The Hospice Care Plan
  • Obituary and Eulogy/ Hospital and Vigil Planning/ Medical Aid & Dying/VSED
  • Coping with Grief and Loss For Doulas
  • Common Disease & Infection Control/PPE
  • Pedi Hospice and Parents Loss
  • Client Care, Safety,& Bedside Support
  • Companion Doula/Communication/ Tele Doula
  • Doulado & IDLM: Streamlining Your Doula Practice
  • Doula Paperwork, Agreements, & Forms
  • Doula Apprenticeship #2
  • IDLM Case Study Planning
  • Home Wakes / Cremation/Funerals/Green Options Celebrations and Ceremonies
  • Life Planning Doula/ EOL Paperwork/Planning
  • Caring for Clients and Their Pets at End of Life
  • Making Memories, Legacy
  • Religions/ Course Overview
  • In-Class Case Study Presentations
  • Presenting to your Community and Hospices
  • I am a Doula Practitioner
  • Free NEDA Prep & Free Business 101-7 Self-Pace Modules, with Workbooks.
  • Students receive updates for FREE.
Dawn Briskey

Dawn Briskey

Dawn Briskey is a certified end-of-life doula offering in-person and virtual services in the Chippewa Valley of Northwest Wisconsin and beyond. She provides compassionate support for individuals navigating life’s transitions, collaborates with those nearing the end of life and their loved ones, and educates the public about death and dying.

Known for her calming presence and empathetic approach, Dawn’s guidance reflects extensive education and lived experiences. Her work embodies a lifelong commitment to active listening, honoring individual perspectives, and delivering thoughtful care.

In addition to her private practice, Dawn serves as a Volunteer Coordinator for a local hospice and actively participates in organizations focused on aging, dementia, and terminal care. 

Dawn transitioned into end-of-life care following a successful 25+ year career in association management, nonprofit leadership, and technology consulting. She brings her skills in leadership, empathy, and service to this profoundly meaningful field. Dawn is an IDLM Certified Doula/End-of-Life Specialist, IDLM Certified Life Planning Specialist, and Doulagivers Certified End-of-Life Doula. Additionally, she holds an End-of-Life Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance.

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Why IDLM?

Continued education

Monthly at no cost to our students. Keeping you updated on industry advances and tools to enhance your practice.

The Movement

You found your doula family. Our family community for ongoing support on a daily basis.

Instructors

Who are actively practicing their specialty/services daily.

IDLM brings together over 200 years of experience!