About barbara gates

I believe how we die matters as much as how we live

My mission is to help others live with purpose, direction, and inner strength.

About Us

About Barbara Gates

My mission is to help others live with purpose, direction, and inner strength.

Who We Are

We’re a life coaching practice rooted in the belief that real change begins with clarity, self-awareness, and support. Our mission is to help individuals move beyond doubt, overwhelm, and uncertainty — and into lives that feel purposeful, confident, and aligned.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper fulfillment, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, our coaching process is designed to meet you where you are. Through honest conversations, proven tools, and compassionate guidance, we help you uncover your goals, shift your mindset, and take meaningful action.

We’re not here to tell you who to be — we’re here to walk beside you as you become the version of yourself you’ve always known was possible.

Meet Barb

CERTIFIED END-OF-LIFE DOULA

certified end-of-life doula

About 15 years ago, I witnessed my first death — and had my first experience with hospice. What struck me wasn't the medical part... it was the other part. The way hospice explained what was happening, answered questions, helped the family understand what to expect. The way they made something terrifying feel just a little more manageable.

I turned to my husband and said, "I want THAT to be my job."

The problem? A death doula wasn't a thing yet. And since I had zero nursing experience (and zero desire for it), I figured that door was closed.

But I wanted to better help my sister, who was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder as a teenager. It robbed her of everything before she died at 39, while my mother navigated a complex healthcare system largely alone — with no real resources, no advocates, and no roadmap. It was all harder than it needed to be and often left us feeling helpless.

And then... I heard Anderson Cooper talk about how working with a death doula affected him so much that he considered leaving television to do that work himself. I googled "death doula" and there it was — exactly what I wanted to do 15 years ago, now a recognized profession.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Credentials:

  • End-of-Life Doula Certification

  • Advance Care Planner Certification

  • Cancer Doula Certification — in progress

  • Dementia Doula Certification — in progress

Meet Barb

CERTIFIED END-OF-LIFE DOULA

certified end-of-life doula

About 15 years ago, I witnessed my first death — and had my first experience with hospice. What struck me wasn't the medical part... it was the other part. The way hospice explained what was happening, answered questions, helped the family understand what to expect. The way they made something terrifying feel just a little more manageable.

I turned to my husband and said, "I want THAT to be my job."

The problem? A death doula wasn't a thing yet. And since I had zero nursing experience (and zero desire for it), I figured that door was closed.

But I wanted to better help my sister, who was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder as a teenager. It robbed her of everything before she died at 39, while my mother navigated a complex healthcare system largely alone — with no real resources, no advocates, and no roadmap. It was all harder than it needed to be and often left us feeling helpless.

And then... I heard Anderson Cooper talk about how working with a death doula affected him so much that he considered leaving television to do that work himself. I googled "death doula" and there it was — exactly what I wanted to do 15 years ago, now a recognized profession.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Meet Barb

certified end-of-life doula

Old or young, facing disease or in perfect health, every one of us is going to die... and can benefit from having a plan. Directives record your values and beliefs and protect these values, sparing loved ones from tough decisions and avoidable family conflict.

We’re a life coaching practice rooted in the belief that real change begins with clarity, self-awareness, and support. Our mission is to help individuals move beyond doubt, overwhelm, and uncertainty — and into lives that feel purposeful, confident, and aligned.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper fulfillment, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, our coaching process is designed to meet you where you are. Through honest conversations, proven tools, and compassionate guidance, we help you uncover your goals, shift your mindset, and take meaningful action.

We’re not here to tell you who to be — we’re here to walk beside you as you become the version of yourself you’ve always known was possible.

Who We Are

We’re a life coaching practice rooted in the belief that real change begins with clarity, self-awareness, and support. Our mission is to help individuals move beyond doubt, overwhelm, and uncertainty — and into lives that feel purposeful, confident, and aligned.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper fulfillment, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, our coaching process is designed to meet you where you are. Through honest conversations, proven tools, and compassionate guidance, we help you uncover your goals, shift your mindset, and take meaningful action.

We’re not here to tell you who to be — we’re here to walk beside you as you become the version of yourself you’ve always known was possible.

Meet The Team

Jordan Lane

Lead Life Coach

Taylor Cruz

Mindset & Motivation Coach

Riley Morgan

Client Success Manager

Avery Brooks

Wellness & Balance Coach

Casey Drew

Accountability Partner

Jamie Ellis

Emotional Support Specialist

What I do

We offer personalized life coaching that helps individuals gain clarity, build confidence, and move forward with purpose. Our coaching sessions are designed to support real growth, practical action, and meaningful transformation.

Who I am

We’re a team of coaches and mentors dedicated to guiding others through life’s transitions and challenges. With a supportive and honest approach, we help people reconnect with themselves and take aligned steps forward.

My mission

Our mission is to create space for individuals to grow, heal, and thrive. We’re here to support lasting change by helping each person uncover their values, trust their voice, and live with intention.

Testimonials

Trusted by 200+ Customers

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John Doe

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Michelle Doe

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Sarah Doe

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an end-of-life doula?

An end-of-life doula is a non-medical support person who provides a wide range of support services including:

• physical

• practical

• emotional

• spiritual

What can an end-of-life doula provide?

• End-of-life planning and guidance

• Hands-on, non-medical care and support

• Companionship to patient and/or family and caregivers

• Support and care before engaging with hospice

• Additional care if already engaged with hospice

• Bedside vigil

• Celebration/ceremony and funeral education

• Bereavement support

What are the benefits of an end-of-life doula?

Working with an end-of-life doula can offer:

• Comforting presence

• Non-judgmental advocacy

• Whole-person care

• Family-centered assistance

• Teamwork with other providers and services

• Community resources

How often do sessions take place?

Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their goals and coaching plan. We’ll decide what cadence works best for you.

What services do you offer?

EDIT: We offer 1:1 coaching, group programs, clarity sessions, and personalized growth plans designed to help you move forward with purpose.

How do I get started?

Start by booking a free consultation call. We’ll explore your goals and see if our services are the right fit for you.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes! All coaching sessions are held virtually via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in the world.

Is end-of-life work confidential?

Absolutely. Everything shared during our work is kept private and confidential (unless consent to share given by you) in a safe, judgment-free space.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

We offer 1:1 coaching, group programs, clarity sessions, and personalized growth plans designed to help you move forward with purpose.

How do I get started?

Start by booking a free discovery call. We’ll explore your goals and see if our coaching is the right fit for you.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes! All coaching sessions are held virtually via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in the world.

How often do sessions take place?

Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their goals and coaching plan. We’ll decide what cadence works best for you.

How long is each session?

Sessions typically last 60 minutes, allowing time for deep conversation, reflection, and action planning.

Is coaching confidential?

Absolutely. Everything shared during coaching is kept private and confidential in a safe, judgment-free space.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes — we offer flexible payment options for coaching packages to make support accessible and stress-free.

What’s your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24-hour notice for any rescheduling. Missed or late-cancelled sessions may be charged depending on your plan.

Questions? I've got answers.

Here’s what others have asked before working with me

What exactly is a death doula?

A death doula (also called an end-of-life doula) is a non-medical professional trained to support dying individuals and their families through the end-of-life process — emotionally, practically, educationally, and spiritually. Think of me as a knowledgeable, compassionate guide who helps everyone involved feel less lost and more supported.

How is a death doula different from hospice?

Hospice is an essential medical service — and if you or someone you love needs it, please contact them as soon as possible. But hospice has limits (thanks, Medicare). I complement hospice by providing more time, more individualized attention, more advocacy, and more availability. We're not either/or — we're better together.

Do I have to be facing a terminal illness to work with you?

Absolutely not. In fact, the most powerful thing you can do is plan before you need it. Advance care planning is for everyone — young, old, healthy, or not. The earlier you start, the better protected you and your family are.

Is everything confidential?

100%. Everything shared in our work together stays private and confidential — full stop.

Do you only work with people in Minnesota?

Nope! I also work virtually, which means I can work with you from anywhere. (And honestly, this is one of the things I think makes this work more accessible for busy professionals — no commutes, no scheduling gymnastics, just real support when and where you need it.)

© Copyright 2026. Death Doula Barb. All Rights Reserved.