Grief Therapists

High School

College prep classes are essential if you wish to enter the field of grief therapy. In order to learn how to deal with a diverse group of people from all cultural backgrounds, courses in health, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and religion are helpful. Communication is a key part of the grief therapist's job, so speech, foreign languages, communication, and English courses are also vital. It may be a good idea to check with the colleges you have selected to find out what courses they recommend for a career in psychology and counseling.

Postsecondary Training

Degrees that feature a strong psychology component or a premed program are usually recommended for counselors. This must be followed with a master's program in counseling, social work, or psychology. Following this with a doctoral degree in psychology is recommended for the best job prospects.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in thanatology, grief counseling, and related fields. For example, Hood College (Frederick, MD) offers a 12-credit certificate in thanatology to students who complete the following courses: Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement; Principles of Thanatology; Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology; and Historical and Multicultural Perspectives in Thanatology. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Many professional counseling associations offer continuing education (CE) opportunities. For example, the Association for Death Education and Counseling has offered webinars such as Art Therapy Memory Boxes: Containers of Love and Loss; Supporting Grieving Children: Compassionate Care for Anticipating Loss; and When Dementia Caregiving is Trauma: Best Practices for Trauma-Informed Care with Active and Bereaved Caregivers. It also offers a Handbook of Thanatology self study course. The American Counseling Association offers a variety of online and in-person classes, workshops, and seminars such as Prolonged Grief and Existential Counseling, and Responding to Crisis: Police and Counselors Collaboration. The American Mental Health Counselors Association and the Gerontological Society of America also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.