Schedule
Synchronous
Delivery method
Online
Instructors
Dr. Mark Vande Braak, PH.D, FT, MT-BC, Molly Tomony MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Caroline Cheng, MSW, PhD., Dr. Yan Zhao Ciupak, Douglas C. Smith M.Div., MA, MS
Grief Support Specialist Program
24 Hours
Estimated learning time
Live Instructor
Progress at a recommended pace
Popular course
A popular course among students
About the Certificate
Description
Grief Support Specialist Program: Gain Practical Skills to Help Others Navigate Loss
Originally developed from UW-Madison’s Grief Specialist Program, this interactive course is designed to equip participants with hands-on tools to support adults, children, and families through the process of grief. Whether you're seeking personal growth or aiming to apply these skills professionally, you’ll earn a certificate of completion along with Continuing Education hours.
Program Overview:
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8-Week Online Course: This flexible, online program features a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning for a dynamic experience.
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Interactive Zoom Sessions: Two-weekend Zoom sessions are included, where participants will engage in live lessons with that week’s instructor. These sessions also feature calming meditation and relaxation exercises to foster a supportive learning environment.
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Self-Paced Learning: Asynchronous lessons are recorded and include thought-provoking questions designed to deepen your understanding. You’ll submit your responses through the online portal, allowing for a personalized and flexible learning experience.
Final Project:
You’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor on your final project. Before the project’s due date, submit a title and a one-paragraph summary of your paper or project for feedback and guidance.
This program offers both practical knowledge and emotional insights, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Topics
- Grief counseling theories and strategies, assessments, COVID and grief, recovery tools and intervention, attachment styles and grief, children and youth coping with grief, different age coping skills, grief groups for children, Vicarious Grief, Disenfranchised Grief, Complicated Grief coping with dying, legal issues & end of life decisions, spiritual, ethical, and culture issues, group therapy, self-care and career enhancement.
Sections
Deliverables
24 Credits
Academic Excellence
Earn necessary number of credit hours for completing this content
Professional Program
Launch of Career
Upon completing the Grief Support Specialist Program and final project, they will receive a physical and digital certificate, formally recognizing their accomplishment. This certification serves as evidence of their specialized training in grief support.
Outcomes
For someone taking NMU's Grief Support Specialist Program, the outcome of the program is to develop both personal and professional skills necessary to support individuals through the grieving process. Here's what participants can expect:
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Personal Growth and Understanding: Beyond professional skills, participants will also gain personal insight into how grief affects themselves and others. This self-awareness allows them to be more compassionate and empathetic, which is key when offering support.
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Deep Understanding of Grief: Graduates will come away with a comprehensive understanding of various types of grief (e.g., anticipatory, complicated) and how grief impacts people emotionally, physically, and mentally.
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Effective Communication: Participants will learn essential communication strategies, helping them offer compassionate and empathetic support to those in grief.
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Practical Support Techniques: The program teaches participants practical methods to support grieving individuals, whether in professional settings (e.g., healthcare, counseling) or in personal situations with friends, family, or community members.
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Ethical and Professional Boundaries: Students will learn the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries while supporting grieving individuals, ensuring a healthy and respectful approach.
By completing this program, individuals will be well-prepared to provide effective, compassionate grief support both personally and professionally, allowing them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those going through loss.
