Total Training Time: 2 Hours | CE Credit: 2 CE Hours | Format: Live on Zoom

Course Description

This 2-hour continuing education session provides an overview of theoretical understandings of grief, including what grief is and what it is not. Participants will explore common grief responses, grief myths, and how grief can present differently in both children and adults. The training will also provide practical tips, tools, and communication strategies for supporting individuals who are grieving in a compassionate and developmentally appropriate manner. Participants will leave with an increased understanding of grief and concrete strategies for offering supportive responses in professional and everyday settings.

Target Audience & Instructional Level

This introductory training is open to mental health professionals, educators, school support staff, child-serving professionals, healthcare providers, and community-based helping professionals who support children, adults, and families impacted by grief and loss. This training is also appropriate for caregivers and other professionals seeking foundational knowledge and practical strategies for grief support.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe key theoretical concepts and common misconceptions about grief, including what grief is and what it is not.
2. Identify and apply practical strategies to support a grieving child or adult using developmentally responsive and supportive approaches.

Presentation Schedule: 2 Hours (2 CE Hours | APA-Approved & NBCC Approved)

Hour 1: Foundations of grief and common misconceptions (1 CE)

• Defining grief: what it is and what it is not
• Overview of theoretical models and frameworks of grief
• Typical grief responses and variations in grieving experiences

Hour 2: Practical strategies for supporting grieving children and adults (1 CE)

• Supportive communication and validation skills
• Practical tools and strategies for grief support across the lifespan
• What helps vs. what harms: avoiding common unhelpful responses
• Brief Q&A and integration of takeaways