The grieving process is unique to the individual experiencing it. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, or any other event, this course will help you support those who have suffered a loss to cope with their grief.
The Certificate of Loss and Grief Counselling is an online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to provide support for individuals who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.
In this online grief-counselling course, you will learn how to identify the symptoms of grief and depression and learn how to provide counselling with cultural and spiritual sensitivity. You will learn a range of counselling skills including empathic listening, non-verbal communication and how to support those suffering from grief and loss.
On completion of this online grief-counselling course, you will feel empowered to provide support counselling to those experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- Structured counselling approach
- Analyse existing client information
- Initial session guidelines
- Assessment interviews
- Standardised assessments
- Engaging with clients
- Communication techniques
- Building rapport
- Active listening
- Effective questioning
- Client goals
- Establishing the helping relationship
- Counselling service information
- Client rights and responsibilities
- The counselling process
- Professional boundaries
- Expectations and commitment
- Anxiety or concerns
- Referral process
- Collaborative processes
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Conflicting interests
- Person-centred approach
- Options and approaches
- Counselling contracts
- Counselling plans
- Informed consent
- Records management
Unit 2 - Provide loss and grief support
- Signs of loss and grief
- Primary, secondary and cumulative losses
- Features and symptoms of grief
- Distinguishing grief and depression
- Grieving styles
- Loss of spouse or partner
- Loss of a child
- Parental grief
- Loss of a parent / sibling
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Signs and reactions to trauma
- Stages of grief
- Complex grief
- Social and cultural differences
- Ethnic and spiritual differences
- Communication
- Active listening
- Health and safety risks
- Suicide risk assessment
- Recognising the warning signs
- Complications of grief
- Engaging empathically
- Respecting cultural differences
- Listening skills
- Facilitate coping mechanisms
- Prolonged grief disorder
- Stress Vulnerability Model
- Support services and resources
- Supporting child grief and bereavement
- Healthy ways to face loss
- Disaster grief
- Treatment strategies
- Client feedback
- Criteria for referral
- Self-care for professionals
- Debriefing
- Review client outcomes
- Problem-solving
- Negotiation
- Plan changes
Unit 3 - Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- The clients story
- Open and closed questions
- Counselling environments
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Mandatory reporting
- Child protection
- Duty of care
- Engaging with clients
- Immediate action
- Conflicting interests
- Client concerns
- Reframing technique
- Referral processes
- Client uncertainty
- Client ambivalence
- Ethics
- Experience and process difficulties
- Recovery stages
- Emotional intelligence
- Interventions
- Support mechanisms
- Strengths-based counselling
- Perceptions of client feelings
- Active listening
- Identifying underlying issues
- Dealing with life changes
- Monitor counselling process
- Disruptions
- Hopes and expectations versus reality
- Planning for change
- Action planning
- 12 signs of good counselling
- Counselling conclusion
- Emotionally dependent clients
- The ending process
- Professional boundaries
- Plan, structure and contract endings
- Further support
- Unresolved issues
- Complete documentation
- Records management
Study Hours
Estimated duration 45 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I just loved the course. Well set out and very easy to understand. Plenty of information very professional
M. Lynn, Chatswood, NSW | Certificate of Loss and Grief Counselling
The information was easy to access and informative
B. Hardman, Wodonga, VIC | Certificate of Loss and Grief Counselling
I enjoyed my time studying, all books were thoroughly informative and appreciated the fact there was no time limit
C. Hemming, Broadford, VIC | Certificate of Loss and Grief Counselling
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 45 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! The cost for printed materials for this course is $50 per unit. Total cost for optional printed materials is: $150.00. Printed materials are available for purchase at any time and not require to complete this course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Loss and Grief Counsellor
- Counsellor