Details for Grief and Loss

This is a subject that builds on counselling practices, introducing students into the specialist skills and knowledge that will enable them to support those who seek help in grief and loss contexts. This subject examines uncomplicated and complicated grief processes and provides diverse opportunities for insight and personal reflection into the theories of grief and loss. Students will develop principles and practices for grief and loss counselling enabling them to support those who are suffering grief due to bereavement or other significant losses.

Awards offering Grief and Loss

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science
• Graduate Diploma of Leadership
• Master of Arts
• Master of Leadership

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of the theories and therapeutic interventions regarding grief (complicated and uncomplicated) and loss;
2. Critically analyse effective responses and best practice strategies appropriate to the professional context;
3. Develop an understanding of different grief responses, experiences and expressions with consideration given to social, cultural, familial and religious factors;
4. Reflect on personal and professional considerations of grief and loss.

Subject Content

• Introduction to Grief and Loss
• Theories of Grief and Loss
• Cultural Considerations
• Risk Factors, Predictors & Mediators of Grief
• Facilitating Uncomplicated Grief
• Distinguishing Complicated Grief
• Loss & Liminality in Everyday Life The Lost Art of Lament
• Social Stigma in Grief & Loss
• Family Systems & Grief
• Working with Grieving Children Grief, Loss and the People Helper
• Application of Learning

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Onsite (face-to-face)
• Online (e-Learning)
• Intensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Case Studies (30%)
• Research Essay (40%)
• Critical Reflection Essay (30%)

Prescribed Text

• Worden, J. (2018). Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner (5th ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any texts.