Grief and Trauma Counselling Certificate Program
Presented by The Canadian Centre for Bereavement Education and Grief Counselling and Continuing Education Department of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
This is an advanced-level program dealing with complex issues in bereavement, loss, and trauma. It includes a large component of experiential exercises that will teach the techniques and strategies helpful for working with bereaved and traumatized clients. Qualified mental health professionals, students in a professional program, and anyone responsible for the professional care of people experiencing grief and symptoms of trauma will benefit from the additional depth and breadth this certificate provides.
A Grief and Trauma Counsellor will be able to:
- Work with individuals, groups, families, schools, corporations, and agencies to deal with all grief-related issues
- Understand complicated and uncomplicated grief
- Work with traumatized clients
- Provide critical incident stress debriefing
- Implement strategies for crisis intervention
Prerequisites:
Completion of the Bereavement Education Certificate, plus a Graduate degree, candidacy, or equivalent in a discipline related to working with clients. Admission will be based on suitability for the program as measured by education, experience, résumé, and interview.
Certificate Requirements:
Full attendance of all courses is mandatory for completion of the program.
Completion of this certificate program does not imply competency to conduct psychotherapy.
Prospective students must first complete the Bereavement Education program and apply for acceptance into the program. Please send applications by July 18, 2013 to:Canadian Centre for Bereavement Education and Grief Counselling
80 Carlton St., Suite #10
Toronto, ON
M1B 1L6
- Grief and the Self (GRIEF1)The bio-psychosocial effects of accumulated or unresolved grief issues, transference, and countertransference are examined. Therapeutic boundaries are discussed as well as the need and application of self-care.
- Counselling Techniques/CISD (GRIEF2)Assessment skills, as well as strategies and techniques of being with clients as they experience the grief process will be explored. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Defusing will also be covered.
- Trauma and Grief (GRIEF3)Some grief results in trauma. Trauma always has elements of grief and may indicate a predisposition for complicated grief. The overlap and differentiation of trauma, grief and complications (PTSD, physical and mental health issues) will be discussed.
- Complicated Grief/Therapy (GRIEF4)This course investigates the theoretical aspects of complicated grief. Assessment skills, specific interventions and therapeutic techniques to assist the client are examined.
- Strategies and Skills for Crisis Intervention (GRIEF5)Individuals in crisis need immediate care. Assessment skills, interventions and techniques to stabilize and support the client in their progress of healing will be taught.
- HIV & AIDS/Application of Skills (GRIEF6)The changing dynamic and being with clients with HIV or AIDS will be explored. Preparing for the practicum and putting it all together.
- PracticumStudents will counsel newly bereaved clients and experience group supervision. Students are required to have their own liability insurance before seeing clients.