Hi, I’m Caroline Lee —
death doula, somatic therapist, writer, and big sister to five wildly different siblings who first taught me the power of talking about things we’d rather avoid.
Years ago, my big sister role was what led me to this work, as I realized that if something “happened” to one of us, we’d be left guessing each other’s wishes — and probably fighting about it. That moment led me to discover advance directives (have you completed yours?!), gather my siblings to fill them out, and open a door I couldn’t close: into the world of death, dying, and the deep relief that comes from having agency and planning ahead.
I went on to volunteer with hospice, train as a death doula, and support new doulas as a Student Guide with Going with Grace. Two years into death work, the pandemic hit, and I realized it was time to retire from my career as a photographer in LA and fully embrace my budding passion for supporting people in navigating end-of-life planning, death, and grief. This led me to add the credential of “therapist” and earn my Master’s in Somatic Psychology at CIIS, where I learned that our bodies hold as much wisdom as our minds — and that part of this life is about our relationship with them — both the beautiful things they allow us to do, and the painful things they bring us to feel.
Today, I offer concierge death doula and therapy services, working with people of all ages who are dying, as well as their families and chosen communities. My approach is deeply personalized, supporting clients through the complex emotions, practical planning, and layered relationships involved in facing death and dying.
My course and upcoming book, Help! I Have Aging Parents?!, were born from my work with millennials and Gen Xers caring for aging loved ones — but my commitment is to anyone facing death with courage, honesty, and a desire to live with agency until the end.
I live in the East Bay with my partner, our son Moses, sweet rescue pup Leela, and Stripey the cat, who joined our family after a dear friend’s death — a daily reminder of how grief and love shape us in unexpected ways.
When I’m not holding space for big feelings or tough conversations, you’ll find me singing karaoke, going to Burning Man (10+ years), talking about my love of protein, or nerding out about gorgeous lighting while I take photos of the people I love.
If you know what you need and think I can help — or even if you don’t know what you need (because this world is so overwhelming) — please reach out. Let’s have a free 20-minute call and see how I can help.
I’m with you. xx