Finding the Right Support: A Guide to Death Doulas, Death Coachs, & End-of-Life Practitioners in Melbourne (and How We Differ)

It Takes a Village to Die Well

One of the most common questions I get is, "Do you do overnight vigils?" or "Can you manage the roster of carers for my mum?"

The answer is no, because my practice has evolved to focus specifically on Existential Integration (the internal, emotional, and spiritual work of dying).

However, the answer is also yes - because there is an incredible network of Death Doulas in Melbourne who do specialise in exactly that kind of hands-on, logistical, and bedside care.

If you are looking for support that I do not offer, I highly recommend exploring the work of these dedicated practitioners and directories.

Bedside & Logistical Specialists and End-of-Life Planning in Melbourne

These practitioners and services are known for their hands-on approach, including home vigils, funeral continuity, practical coordination and holistic end-of-life planning.

• Barbara Ferguson at Lonergan & Raven Funerals

• Nic Aunger

• Jennifer Olerhead

• Carmel O’Beirne

• Kimba Griffith, Annie Whitlocke and Maria Lazovic at The Last Hurrah Funerals

• Malia Dewse at Beyond the Good Will

Finding a Doula: The Directories & Additional Resources

If you need to search by a specific location or need, these national directories are the gold standard for finding qualified practitioners.

• Death Doula Australia: A listing of doulas across Australia who have trained with Denise Love

• The End of Life Doula Directory: A comprehensive listing of doulas across Australia, often with detailed profiles about their specific services.

• Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN): An advocacy group for holistic death care. Their directory lists professionals who are aligned with natural, family-led death practices.

• ThanatosEros: A smaller directory of doulas, that also has a lot of great resources.

Why I Share This List

In the death care space, there is no competition, only community. We all have different gifts.

If you need someone to sit overnight and hold a hand, one of the amazing humans above is your person. If you need someone to help you face the fear of death, navigate existential dread, or integrate a profound grief, then I am here for you.

We are all walking you home, just on different paths.