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.
What You Gain
Confidence
Confidently select interventions, resources, and rituals with confidence and culturally sensitivity to empower your clients.
Evidence
Informed Tools
Apply evidence-informed interventions to help clients with their emotional regulation, rebuilding daily routines, and support the integration and transformation for clients.
Clarity & Guidance
Learn how to confidently discuss and bring clarity for your clients as you help them dispel myths about grief and navigate them through their unique grief journey.
Self-Awareness
Deepen your self-awareness to use the therapeutic relationship with healthy boundaries to nurture a space of empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Learning Objectives
More Information
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 counsellor 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
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Trauma & Grief
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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.
PreOrder Now
Tending to Loss: Practical Grief Counselling Training for Practitioners (40CE)
Preorder now for our new course for practitioners to learn Identifying, Interpreting & Responding to Grief in their counselling practices with clients.
Pre-ORDER early bird rate
$500+gst
Student rate $250+gst (use form to inquire about this rate)
Course will be launched on FEBRUARY 15th 2026