GC 700 - Developing Grief Support Groups

Course overview

This course is an advanced CE course that provides students with a comprehensive learning and training experience in the developing of grief support groups. The course is based on two texts which provides comprehensive materials that will guide students in the overall process and development of highly effective grief support groups. Students entering this course should already have a solid foundation of knowledge in grief and bereavement before beginning this study. The course covers everything from early development of a support group all the way through final evaluation of group effectiveness. Students will examine each key component of support group creation and process implementation. Early preparations are reviewed as well as selection criteria for group members. Types of support groups are examined. The role of the facilitator(s) is clearly defined and expanded upon. Of particular benefit, this course assists students in identifying effective ways to work with multiple issues and dynamics that may arise in the course of grief support group work. Various types of group structures and specific focused groups are examined. Dealing with controversial topics that may arise are also examined. Students will also explore the use of journaling and journaling exercises that may be used with grief support groups as well as incorporating memories of the deceased in their work with group participants. Students will also study a core structure and process of a week-by-week actual grief support group in order to better internalize and operationalize the overall development and functions of a grief support group. This course is specifically designed for those students in the Certification program in Grief Support Group Counseling, although others who are interested may also take the course. This is an advanced level course in Grief Counseling. There are two required textbooks. Students will also be provided with videos in the online classroom for viewing. This CE Course is offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. See: https://aihcp.net/grief-support-group-certified-specialist-course-program/