BIO

I’m Marlo Smith, a board-certified music therapist, death doula, and grief counselor based in San Diego, California. For more than 15 years, I’ve worked in hospice, palliative care, and community settings, supporting individuals and families through death, dying, grief, and major life transitions.

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My work is rooted in presence, compassion, and integrates evidence-based music therapy, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BM-GIM), counseling, sound healing, nature connection, and body-based awareness to support emotional, spiritual, and existential well-being. I believe every person is inherently whole and carries inner resources that remain accessible - even in times of profound loss.

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I have spent most of my career in end-of-life care, serving as a music therapist, bereavement specialist, and supportive care leader within hospice organizations. Alongside this work, I maintain a private practice where I offer end-of-life support, grief counseling, sound work and Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) preparation and accompaniment.

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Music has been my lifelong language of connection. In death care, it becomes a powerful companion - offering comfort, expression, containment, legacy and meaning.

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I hold a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Temple University and am a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. I am also certified in hospice and palliative care music therapy, as a death doula, and experienced in Medical Aid in Dying support.