Tending to Loss: Practical Grief Counselling Training for Practitioners

Identifying, Interpreting & Responding to Grief. Enhanced Grief Counselling Continuing Education for Mental Health Practitioners.

40 CE Hours

Course Description

This continuing education program is designed to strengthen practitioners’ competencies in evidence-informed grief counselling. The course provides an in-depth review of current research on grief and bereavement, along with practical training in contemporary theoretical models. Through case examples, guided formulation activities, and discussion of diverse client presentations, participants will learn to assess, conceptualize, and intervene effectively with individuals experiencing a range of normative and complicated grief responses. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, ethical, and developmentally appropriate practice, as well as understanding intersections between grief and other mental health conditions. Participants will gain skills that can be applied across the lifespan and within a variety of clinical contexts.

Learning Objectives

Module 1 Identify – Assessing Grief & Models of Bereavement

Critically review and integrate current research and evidence-informed knowledge on grief and bereavement to enhance clinical understanding and practice.
Describe and apply contemporary models of bereavement to guide assessment, formulation, and intervention planning.

Module 2 Interpret – Conceptualize the Needs/Goals of Clients

Conduct comprehensive case conceptualizations that identify grief-related needs, presenting concerns, and contextual factors influencing client experiences.
Critically integrate current research and evidence-informed knowledge on grief and bereavement to enhance clinical understanding and practice.
Differentiate complicated grief (Prolonged Grief Disorder) from typical grief responses, including recognizing intersections with co-occurring mental health conditions and relevant sociocultural contributors.

Module 3 Intervention – Implement Intervention & Treatment

Select and implement appropriate, evidence-based grief interventions that align with individualized client goals, cultural contexts, and presenting symptoms.

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Intended Audience

Registered psychologists, psychological associates, counsellors, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals involved in providing grief-related assessment or intervention.

NOTE – this course is not a license, association, or certification. It does not allow practitioners to designate themselves a specialist in grief or grief counselling on its own.

Instructional Methods

Video content, guided discussions, case-based learning, and opportunities for applied practice exercises and reflection.

Evaluation of Learning

Case-based exercises

Knowledge checks (quizzes)

Opportunities for reflective integration of course material

Course Outline

3 Modules based on being able to identify, interpret, and then intervene

Module 1 Identify – Assessing Grief & Models of Bereavement

Section A – Introduction to Grief

Section B – Assessing the wound (factors) that influence grief

Section C – Psychological and Physiological Presentations of Grief

Section D - Types of Loss

Section E – Supportive, Protective, Resiliency Factors

Section F – Social & Cultural Influences on Grief

Section G – Models of Bereavement (Theories of Grief Counselling)

Module 2 Interpret – Conceptualize the Needs/Goals of Clients

Section A – Intersectionality of Grief & Mental Health

Trauma & Grief
Depression & Grief

Section B – Case Conceptualization

Section C – Case Studies

Module 3 Intervention – Implement Intervention & Treatment

Section A – Grief Counselling vs. Therapy

Section B –Culturally Sensitive Counselling

Section C- Developing Self-Awareness and Self-Care

Section D- The Therapeutic Relationship & Presence your #1 Tool

Section E – Clinician’s Toolbox

No Refunds will be made upon purchase.

You will have 12 months to complete the course before it becomes deactivated.

Your Instructor

My name is Kirsten White, MC, R.Psych

Kirsten White (she/her), R.Psych in Alberta, has been practicing in the area of grief, trauma, and end-of-life care for a decade. Kirsten started her career working with non profits counselling children and parents through grief, including suicide loss and traumatic death. Seeing a need in the community to have a central location for grief services, she has created a centre to offer counselling supports focused on grief and end-of-life care.

Kirsten also offers trainings and workshops for organizations and is an instructor for City University where she predominately teaches emerging counsellors in areas specific to grief and grief counselling.

Kirsten believes strongly in collaboration and continuing education.

About Me

Centre for grief, trauma, & holistic well-being

Tending to Loss: Practical Grief Counselling Training for Practitioners

Course Description

Learning Objectives

Module 1 Identify – Assessing Grief & Models of Bereavement

Module 2 Interpret – Conceptualize the Needs/Goals of Clients

Module 3 Intervention – Implement Intervention & Treatment

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Your Instructor

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Tending to Loss: Practical Grief Counselling Training for Practitioners (40CE)