By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the latest research on grief, mourning, and bereavement, including current DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder.
- Identify developmental factors that influence grief responses across the lifespan, from childhood to older adulthood.
- Differentiate between normal grief, prolonged grief, anticipatory grief, and disenfranchised grief.
- Assess grief presentations using standardized assessment tools and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Apply evidence-based grief counseling interventions, including the dual-process model of coping, meaning reconstruction, and continuing bonds theory.
- Integrate conversations that help clients explore and integrate the loss into their ongoing and continued life.
- Implement strategies to address grief in special populations, including children, adolescents, and families facing terminal illness.
- Apply culturally responsive grief practices that honor diverse mourning rituals and traditions.
- Address grief in clients with co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
- Use tools to support clients experiencing non-death losses such as divorce, job loss, or illness.
- Utilize creative and expressive modalities—such as journaling, art, and ritual—in grief counseling.
- Navigate grief in healthcare, hospice, and palliative care settings with sensitivity and professional boundaries.
- Coach caregivers and family members on healthy communication strategies during the grief process.
- Recognize and mitigate risk factors for prolonged grief and grief-related mental health crises.
- Apply self-care and resilience-building strategies to prevent counselor burnout when working with grieving clients.
- Develop individualized grief counseling treatment plans tailored to client needs, values, and cultural background.
- Facilitate group counseling sessions for grieving individuals.
- Evaluate counseling outcomes and adapt interventions for ongoing client growth and healing.
