An education in grief counseling focuses on individuals who work with those experiencing loss, such as divorce and death. The degree certificate is intended for those who have received their baccalaureate degree in social work, nursing, or another health science, or for those who are working towards a master's degree in social work. Grief counseling courses also intended for practitioners to meet continuing education requirements and retain existing certifications.
In order to be considered for admission to a master's degree program in grief counseling or continuing education courses on grief counseling, you must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. Undergraduate majors that will earn you admission include: grief counseling include, sociology, nursing, social work, counseling, psychology and other related fields. You must have a strong need to help others, inspire confidence in your client and instill a respectful working relationship.
Throughout your coursework, you will become knowledgeable in the areas of normal grief. You will be trained to understand the difference between normal grief and clinical depression. You will find that grief is a normal reaction to loss of a loved one. The process of grieving involves physical and emotional energy. A person involved in the grieving process may show signs of marked tiredness, a loss in concentration, becoming withdrawn, or exhibiting signs of depression. You will be trained on how to educate those experiencing grief on how to come to terms with their loss. You will educate, listen and support people through the grieving process. You will not be qualified to conduct therapy. Instead, you will refer clients who are experiencing higher forms of grief, such as clinical depression, to a licensed and qualified therapist.
The skills you will learn as a grief counselor will vary. As an active listener, you will give your full attention to what your clients are saying, as well as carefully articulating your questions at appropriate times. You will become perceptive to what your clients are saying, and understanding what drives their reactions. You will articulate your message in a clear and effective manner. Your ability to critically analyze and reason will sharpen as you seek to find alternative outcomes as you guide your clients through their grief. Also, your reading comprehension will improve as you synthesize work related textual information.
With grief counseling courses completed, you will be prepared for work in hospices, hospitals, funeral homes or private practices. Counseling can be provided in a group setting, but will almost always take place in an individual setting. You will predominantly work in an office, however, if in a hospital or hospice, counseling may take place in an individual's living quarters.
Every state in the United States requires grief counselors to possess licensing which dictates their actions. As part of the licensing process, complete a supervised field placement usually over the course of two years. Also, adhere to the ethical standards of the state in which you seek licensing. For the best quality in a grief counseling course, look for a course in grief counseling that is accredited with The American Academy Of Grief Counseling or The Association for Death Education and Counseling.