The Living End

Welcome to The Living End.

At The Living End, we understand that planning for the end of life can be overwhelming. Our mission is to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, the elderly, and those experiencing existential distress. We provide compassionate assistance in planning meaningful end-of-life experiences, addressing both practical details and emotional needs.

Dr. Serena Gupta, Ph.D., LMFT

“The Purpose of The Living End is, to transform the fear of loss into a pathway toward healing and meaning. Here, we honor each soul’s sacred journey—integrating  compassion, mindful ritual, and deep presence—to nurture your grief into a source of courage and connection.”

Serena is the Co-founder of The Living. With over twenty years of experience guiding individuals through profound loss, grief, and existential distress—alongside two decades working in addiction treatment—Dr. Serena Gupta brings a uniquely compassionate lens to every life-and-death transition. She has witnessed the ripple of death through relapse and overdose, understanding firsthand how loss permeates the journey of recovery. In founding The Living End, she set out to blend rigorous, evidence-based therapy with soul-nurturing spiritual practices, so that no one faces grief or the specter of mortality alone.

After earning her Ph.D. in Depth Psychotherapy—delving into how unconscious dynamics shape our deepest struggles—Serena became certified in EMDR to help clients safely reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate complicated grief. She also integrates insights from Sandplay Therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Hakomi Therapy through close collaboration with trusted specialists, ensuring each person receives the modality best suited to their needs.

Serena’s own midlife reckoning with mortality—guided by the teachings and the quiet wisdom of saints and mystics—has inspired daily practices of meditation, chanting, and gratitude journaling. At The Living End, she holds space for every grief narrative—whether born of addiction, illness, accident, or the inevitable cycle of life—transforming the fear of loss into resilience, renewed purpose, and deep, sacred connection.

Mikel W. Carver is the co-founder of The Living End, an organization dedicated to transforming the way individuals and families experience death and dying. Through compassionate guidance, spiritual support, and logistical services, The Living End helps people navigate the end of life with dignity, presence, and community. Mikel’s devotion to this work is rooted in personal tragedy—the death of his beloved 18-year-old son, Jake—which reshaped his understanding of grief, love, and the human need for meaningful support in times of profound loss.

A gifted storyteller and passionate advocate, Mikel speaks publicly about grief, resilience, fatherhood, and building systems of care around life’s most difficult transitions. He believes that death is not eh end , that grief is not a problem to be solved but a gateway into greater connection. He reminds up, presence is the most powerful gift we can offer one another. Whether supporting families in the wake of loss or guiding individuals on the path to recovery, Mikel’s work centers on love, humility, and the possibility of transformation—even in the darkest moments.

Our Mission

The Living End is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of end-of-life planning. We believe that everyone deserves to approach this journey with dignity and peace of mind. Our holistic approach combines practical planning with therapeutic support, ensuring that each person feels heard, respected, and cared for during this profound time.

Vision Statement

At The Living End, we envision a world where every individual facing the end of life experiences dignity, peace, and support. We strive to create an environment where compassionate care empowers people to confront existential questions and plan meaningful departures. By bridging practical details with emotional well-being, we aim to transform the often-overwhelming journey of end-of-life planning into a hopeful and affirming experience, fostering connection and understanding for individuals and their loved ones.