“Being authentically and compassionately present is a skill in the art of caring for dying people. A skill we can learn and practice, and that sustains us.”
- Kirsten DeLeo

Everyday, professionals face a range and depth of suffering for which they have had little or no training:

  • How can I prevent becoming overwhelmed by the loss I witness?

  • How do I stay present without losing my own sense of wellbeing?

  • How do I speak about death and address deeper fears including spiritual concerns with my patients, their families and children?

  • Is there a more positive way to view death, and to help patients prepare for it?

What is authentic presence?

Authentic presence is the genuine expression of our natural human awareness that is always open, clear and compassionate. By connecting with this natural awareness, we can hold a healing space for people who experience illness, loss and dying.

About the training

Authentic Presence is a professional skills training in the contemplative approach to end-of-life care. I helped to pioneer the course and have been teaching with a great team since 2003.  

Authentic Presence training enables you to connect with your sources of joy, purpose, spirituality and wholeness, and enhances your professional skills, knowledge and communication.

Graduates have come from North and South America, India, China, Europe and Australia.

How does the training work?

The model weaves together the practical knowledge of modern palliative care and hospice with meditative and mindful techniques.This builds a strong foundation to hold a safe and healing space for patients and clients going through critical and painful times.

Authentic Presence training is offered in three modules:

  • Online module - Cultivating Compassionate Presence (8-weeks)

  • Online module - Mindfulness and Awareness in End-of-Life Care (8-weeks)

  • Residential Module - Authentic Presence Immersion (8-day retreat)

Each of the modules can be taken separately and in any sequence. To be certified, participants are required to have taken all three modules.

For more information, visit the course website: