Loss Grief and Bereavement

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The Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement and the Advanced Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement is an intensive course of study in the theory of loss, grief and bereavement, and the practice of caring and supporting people in the community who have experienced loss and bereavement.

The Certificate course is offered in Central Gippsland, drawing on a client base in Central, South and West Gippsland, and to a lesser extent East Gippsland. Because of the proximity to the urban development along the south-eastern corridor of Melbourne, the course will also draw upon the Melbourne metropolitan region.

Aim

The aim of the Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement is to produce people who are competent and confident in dealing with issues of grief and loss, either as an ordinary member of society, as a generalist worker with groups and communities, or in a clinical context of counselling and support.

Prospective Applicants

The Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement then is for people who want to develop a sound understanding of the nature of loss and grief, and gain clinical skills in caring for people and communities who have experienced loss and bereavement.

This may include social and welfare workers, teachers, pastoral workers, youth workers, community-based volunteers, as well as members of the general community who want to be better informed about loss grief and bereavement, and become more confident in offering support to grieving and bereaved people. It includes also graduates from a range of disciplines who wish to develop clinical competence in working with grieving individuals, families and groups on a longer-term basis.

Methodology

An adult learning model incorporates didactic input, peer group supervision, experiential reflection, skills development, role-plays, seminar format and supervised practice.

Course participants are expected to develop specific learning objectives, monitor progress toward achieving these objectives, and identify changes in their professional self-understanding over the period of the program.

Course facilitators will provide an emotionally and intellectually challenging framework in the context of a supportive environment. There is a clear expectation that participants be willing to use their own life experience to reflect upon, and engage in a wide range of experiential learning activities

Prerequisites

Generally, students participating in the program are required to have:

• an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in the health sciences,
• basic counselling skills, including the capacity to practice therapy under supervision,
• heightened self-awareness, and highly developed interpersonal skills

Applicants who do not possess an appropriate tertiary qualification, but who do possess extensive prior experience and expertise may be admitted to the program. Similarly, an optional unit is provided in general counselling theory for those participants who do not possess this pre-requisite.

Some assistance is available in providing suitable placement opportunities for gaining clinical and other practical experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning will be granted upon satisfactory presentation of certified copies of transcripts and detailed descriptions of subject content. Course participants who apply for recognition of prior learning also need to complete an interview process with the Course Director.

Admission

Admission to the course requires:

1. Written application detailing:
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • Details of professional experience/practice
   • Names of two referees with knowledge of professional practice
   • Statement of purpose in applying for the program
2. Satisfactory completion of selection interview

Learning Methods

Each unit, including the assessment process, will incorporate a range of learning modalities including:

• lectures
• seminars
• group discussion
• tutorials
• role plays
• video presentations
• ‘live’ sessions (where appropriate)
• peer supervision
• experiential reflection
• skills development

National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG)

The Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement is designed to meet the educational requirements for the following categories of NALAG membership:

• Care and Support – General
• Support Group Work
• Counsellor

Courses offered by the Gippsland Centre for Loss Grief and Bereavement are recognised by the NALAG (Vic) Accreditation Program.

Overview of Course Structure

Six distinct units are offered as part of the loss grief and bereavement training and education program:

Possible course selection would be:

Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement (Care and Support – General)

Advanced Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement (Care and Support – Group Facilitator)

Advanced Certificate in Loss Grief and Bereavement (Counselling)