Grief, Loss & Trauma Certificate Program

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

GCH 500: Use of the Expressive Arts in Grief Work for Transformation & Healing
Poetry, music, drama, dance and writing are utilized as vehicles for transformation through the expression of the profound mysteries of life, death and transition. Participants explore the role of images, symbolic language and the theories of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross on the experience of dying and the expression of grief.

Keesha by SWC student

GCH 501: Spiritual, Historical & Cultural Patterns of Transcendence
This segment is an introduction to diverse historical, cultural  and religious perspectives of death. Major spiritual traditions are explored in the context of community. Communication and group skills are developed to support each person’s right to her/his belief system in the face of loss, grief and death.

GCH 502 and 503: Dying to Know: Issues of Death & Dying for the Professional (Parts 1&2)
These segments include the basic tenets of care for the dying person, hospice philosophy and concepts, the exploration of the nature and the impact of different types of death, issues for survivors, grief and the family system and the psychology of death and dying throughout the life span. Loss, grief, mourning,
funeral practices and transition rituals are covered in a crosscultural context.

GCH 504-2: Self Compassion and Personal Growth for Professionals Working with Death & Bereavement
This class focuses on stress management skills and personal well-being. Participants experience techniques to create a personal vision for their work. Creating supportive and productive relationships in work environments is discussed.

GCH 505: Theories of the Grief Process
This class describes the grief process from various perspectives and models. The history of the study and treatment of grief and loss is the initial focus. Cross-cultural issues, the role of substance abuse, special populations, AIDS-related grief and the creation of effective support systems are discussed.

GCH 506: Bereavement Support, Programs & Interventions
This class describes the range of services available in community settings to assist individuals and groups to prepare for a traumatic loss and to respond when a loss has occurred. Interventions studied address death, trauma, loss, crisis and transition. Bereavement programs for hospice and support groups are explored.

GCH 507-2: Grief Counseling Skills
Students apply their counseling skills to issues of grief, loss and suffering. Issues of personal and professional concern for the grief counselor are addressed. Grief is seen as part of the individual’s spiritual process. Participants help individuals complete the tasks of mourning. Skills relevant to grief counseling are practiced.

GCH 508-2: Grief & Trauma Counseling
This segment focuses on identifying complicated grief and trauma. Participants develop skills to support the healthy grief process in situations involving normal, complicated or traumatic grieving. Spiritual emergency, near death experiences, the impact of serious illness, devastating grief or other traumatic personal experiences are studied.

GCH 509: Ethical, Legal & Professional Issues in Death & Dying
This class presents legal and ethical issues in death and dying. Topics include ethical principles, confidentiality, informed consent, legal tools for planning, professional and ethical codes, funerals, burials and special issues with HIV/AIDS. Participants are encouraged to identify ethical issues affecting their professional practice.