Lifestyle Learning Direct

When a loved one passes away, it can be an extremely difficult time. After bereavement, family and friends may support us, but sometimes this is not enough. There are many different responses to grief, which are totally normal. Sadness is a typical and natural reaction. We may want to discuss the deceased person, and we will probably become upset when we do.

If a grieving person is also thought to be suffering from depression, antidepressants may be prescribed by a doctor. Antidepressants may treat the depression, but they do not have an effect on the underlying problem – the grief. Untreated depression can make it harder for any person to cope with grief.

There are various stages of grief and those experiencing this may need help to deal with these different stages and understand their feelings are normal. This is where the role of a grief counsellor can help the mourning process by allowing a person to move through the stages of grief in a relationship that is supportive and confidential. The grief counsellor will try to help the person to accept his loss and talk about it. He will encourage clients to identify and express their feelings of anger, guilt, sadness, helplessness and anxiety.

The grief counsellor will also help the person live without the deceased, encouraging him to make decisions alone. He may need to separate emotionally from the deceased and form new relationships. There are also organizations, such as Cruse and Compassionate Friends, that are able to offer additional grief counselling support.

COURSE AIMS

• Describe the nature and scope of grief and bereavement counselling and individuals’ attitudes to grief.
• Identify, through continuing exploration, the meaning and responses of a wide range of loss situations, taking cultural variations into account.
• Describe the different ways that children may respond to grief and develop appropriate strategies for helping them to cope.
• Determine the different ways that adolescents may respond to grief and to examine how these perspectives have translated into counselling practice.
• Describe the different means through which individuals are able to adjust to loss and consider other options available to them.
• Describe when an individual’s response to grief may be considered abnormal and discuss methods of assisting such individuals.
• Define the different ways of preparing for grief and bereavement and consider social, cultural and psychological perspectives.
• Describe separation, loneliness, the effects of long-term grief and long-term counselling support strategies.

Delivery Options

Online -  (click on the link below for further details on pricing and enrolment)