Long Bio (250–350 words)

Dr. Martha Jo Atkins is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor (LPC-S), speaker, author, coach, and founder of Dying School and Soul Story Films. With more than 30 years of experience, she provides safe, compassionate space for individuals and families to explore and navigate dying, death, and grief.

Her work began at age 22 with her first dying patient, a 3-year-old, and has since included over a thousand children and adults at end-of-life. Martha Jo blends clinical training, personal loss, and deep presence to support people from all walks of life through the end-of-life journey.

She founded the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas after the sudden death of her brother, Jim, and later served as executive director of Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying, where she witnessed powerful, conscious dying experiences. These encounters deepened her inquiry into how trauma is held in the body and led to her certification as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner.

In her private practice and through Dying School, Martha Jo helps clients talk openly about dying—whether after a diagnosis, during active end-of-life, or in preparation for what’s to come. Through Soul Story Films, she records end-of-life stories (with permission) to teach others about dying with love, intention, and presence.

She holds a B.A. from Southwestern University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She's also MBTI® certified.

Martha Jo lives in Texas with her boxer, Gertie, and a loyal stash of Dr. Pepper. She believes dying can be hard — and also beautiful, creative, and life-affirming.