Proferssional Diploma in Bereavement, Loss & Grief

Provider: State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education
Delivery: Online (Live via Zoom)
Duration: 8 Weeks | 2 Hours per Week
Award: Professional Diploma in Bereavement, Loss & Grief

Accredited CPD Points Awarded: 30 Points

Intake: February 2026

Course Overview:

The Professional Diploma in Bereavement, Loss, and Grief is an 8-week online course designed for professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of the grieving process and develop skills to support individuals experiencing loss. Whether you are a therapist, counsellor, social worker, or other helping professional, this course offers in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and cultural awareness to assist clients navigating the complex journey of grief.

​

Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, real-life case studies, and reflective exercises, participants will explore the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of grief, as well as the various ways individuals experience and cope with loss. This course will equip you with the tools necessary to support your clients through their grief in a compassionate and effective manner.

​

Learning Objectives:
​
By the end of the course, participants will:

​

Understand the different types and stages of grief, as well as the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of bereavement.
Be able to apply key grief theories and models to real-life scenarios.

• Develop practical skills for providing grief support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on cultural sensitivity.
• Gain insight into working with different populations affected by loss, including children, adults, and the elderly.
• Learn to identify and intervene in cases of complicated or prolonged grief.
• Enhance their ability to create a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals experiencing loss.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the healing process and how to support clients in rebuilding their lives after grief.
• This course is perfect for those seeking to enhance their professional skill set and provide high-quality grief counselling services. It is taught in a flexible, online Live format
• ​

Week 1: Introduction to Bereavement, Loss, and Grief
Overview of the Course (Learning objectives)
Definitions of Bereavement, Loss, and Grief
The Importance of Understanding Grief
Types of Loss (Physical, Emotional, etc.)
Theories of Grief (Kubler-Ross, Bowlby, etc.)
Grief in Different Cultures and Religions
Case Studies/Real-life Examples
Key Takeaways & Reflection

Week 2: The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Grief
Understanding the Psychological Effects of Grief
Stages of Grief and Their Impact
Emotional Reactions to Loss
Grief and Mental Health Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, etc.)
Coping Mechanisms for Psychological Well-being
Case Study: A Psychological Perspective
Tools for Grief Support
Reflection and Discussion

Week 3: The Physical Manifestation of Grief
Physical Responses to Grief
Impact of Grief on the Body (Fatigue, Sleep Issues, etc.)
Stress and Grief: Connection with Physical Health
Grief and Immune System Function
The Role of Exercise and Nutrition in Grieving
Understanding Grief-Related Illnesses
Case Study: A Physical Perspective
Reflection and Support Strategies

Week 4: Grief in Different Populations
Grief in Children and Adolescents
Grief in Older Adults
Gender Differences in Grieving
Cultural and Religious Differences in Grief
Grief in Families and Social Groups
Case Study: Grief in Different Contexts
Tailored Grief Support Approaches
Reflection and Discussion

Week 5: The Grieving Process and Theories of Grief
Theories of Grief (Kubler-Ross, Bowlby, Worden, etc.)
Non-linear Models of Grief
How Grief Processes Vary Across Individuals
Phases vs. Tasks of Grieving
Complicated Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder
Interventions for Complicated Grief
Case Study: Theories in Action
Key Insights and Questions

Week 6: Supporting Those Who Are Grieving
The Role of a Grief Counsellor or Therapist
Listening Skills and Empathy in Grief Support
Techniques for Effective Grief Counselling
Supporting Families and Communities in Grief
The Role of Group Therapy
Case Study: Practical Application of Support Techniques
Ethical Considerations in Grief Counselling
Reflection and Practice

Week 7: Cultural Sensitivity and Grief
Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Grief Counselling
Cultural Norms and Rituals Surrounding Death
Grief and Identity (Cultural, Religious, Personal)
Working with Multicultural Clients
Case Study: Grieving in Different Cultures
Approaches to Grief Counselling in Diverse Settings
Ethical Considerations
Reflection and Discussion

Week 8: Moving Forward: Healing After Loss
Understanding Post-Grief Life and Integration
Reconstructing Life After Loss
Creating Meaning and Finding Purpose After Grief
When Grief Does Not Subside: Signs to Seek Professional Help
Case Study: Healing Journeys
The Importance of Rituals and Memorializing
Grief Support Resources
Final Reflection & Course Wrap-up
​